The Black Stars joined deputy captain Thomas Partey at the Transitions Funeral Home in Accra on Friday to mourn the death of his father, Jacob Teye Partey.
Ghana’s players travelled to the capital on Friday morning after beating Somalia 2-0 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Sekondi on Thursday. They went straight to the funeral home to express their condolences and support Partey and his family.
Their visit came as the squad prepares for Monday’s return fixture against Somalia, with the players temporarily putting football matters aside to stand by their deputy captain. Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams was also present to commiserate with the bereaved family and show the government’s support for Partey and the national team.
The football delegation was led by Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku. GFA Executive Council members Dr Randy Abbey, Samuel Aboabire and Gideon Fosu were also in attendance.
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, who is now the team’s vice-chairman, attended alongside members of the Management Committee.
Former Ghana international Anthony Baffoe, 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Awudu Issaka, former captain Andre Ayew and ex-international David Accam were among the other notable figures at the funeral.
Regional Football Association chairmen Linford Asamoah, Robert Duncan and Daniel Agbogah also attended, representing the Eastern, Central and Volta regions respectively.
The gathering brought together current and former players, football administrators and government officials, underlining the support for Partey across the Black Stars and Ghana’s wider football community.
Ghana will return to football matters for Monday’s second-leg meeting with Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium. The Black Stars are seeking to complete a double over their opponents in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.