体坛英语新闻：Sepp Blatter praises Ghana's AFCON exploits

ACCRA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter has lauded the performance of the Black Stars at the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) recently held in Equatorial Guinea where Ghana finished as runners-up to Cote d'Ivoire.

Blatter, who was in Equatorial Guinea to watch the final match, also congratulated coach Avram Grant and the entire technical, administrative and medical team.

"Congratulations to the national team on reaching the final of the African Nations Cup Equatorial Guinea 2015," Blatter said in a letter to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

He said the final match against Cote d'Ivoire at the Stadium of Bata was a passionate encounter, which Ghana was unfortunate to lose after a nerve-racking penalty shootout that ended 9-8 in favor of the Elephants.

"Your team played excellent football and could have as well won the trophy," said Blatter.

"Having arrived to Zurich, I would like on behalf of the international football community to extend our warmest congratulations on your second-place finish, not only to the Black Stars but also to the coach, Avram Grant, and the entire technical, administrative and medical team," the FIFA boss said.