Ambassador of Ghana to Qatar H E Mohammed Nurudeen Ismaila
Doha: Ghana will arrive in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup tomorrow, with around 12,000 fans expected to cheer the Black Stars during the tournament, the Ambassador of Ghana to Qatar, H E Mohammed Nurudeen Ismaila, told The Peninsula in an interview.
The envoy also lauded Qatar’s preparations for the tournament, adding that the infrastructure from the eight World Cup Stadiums to other infrastructure incorporated within the World Cup has shown a small country like Qatar is capable of hosting football’s most iconic competition.
“We expect around 2,000 Ghana residents in Qatar to attend matches. We also expect around 10,000 fans from Ghana and globally in Qatar for the tournament,” Ismaila said.
He added that some Ghanaian travel and tour companies were tied in to deal with helping fans process their Hayya Card and the necessary logistics to ensure seamless travel for the fans. They also provided travel packages for the various fans -- depending on their preferences.
On Qatar’s hosting of the tournament, the envoy said Qatar is friendly and hospitable with a spirit of excellence.
“Qatar has been able to put up world-class architectural masterpieces reflective of the culture of Qatar here, eight world-class stadia to host the games, metro system… splendid. I have been engaged in meetings with the Supreme Community for Delivery & Legacy, where they brief us on health, security, and all the logistical arrangements put in place,” he added.
According to Ismaila, Qatar has proved that hosting a World Cup is possible, and the compact nature of the tournament will make it easier for players and fans to enjoy the football fiesta.
“I think we should look at how to make things easy in the future. If all stadia are within a one-hour radius by metro, I think there are some economies of scale to be drawn from that. I see this as setting the pace to get things done within small spaces. So I see this as an epoch moment in the making,” Ismaila added.
Speaking on Ghana’s chances, the ambassador said despite the side’s poor start, they have evolved, and with the blend of key players into the team, Ghana will be formidable ahead of the tournament. The West Africans will make their fifth World Cup appearance when they kick off their Group H campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974.
The Otto Addo tutored side will play Switzerland today in a warm-up match in Abu Dhabi.
