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The senior national team, the Black Stars, yesterday arrived in Kumasi, the Garden City, to a rousing welcome by football enthusiasts in the metropolis. Residents in the metropolis, in spite of being in a state of �political mourning� following the outcome of the election petition heard by the Supreme Court, proved their love for football by storming the airport to welcome the players, amidst high expectations from the team. The Stars, who arrived in the city for the epic World Cup qualifier encounter with the Chipolopolo Stars of Zambia, slated for Friday, touched down at the Kumasi International Airport around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, with a 34-man contingent on board a chartered flight. The contingent was made up of 27 players, including the injured Norwegian-based goalkeeper Adam Larson Kwarasey, the technical body, and officials of the senior national team. The Stars are expected to battle it out with their Zambian counterparts in what seems to be a �make or break� match in a journey to next year�s World Cup finals in Brazil. They were met on arrival by the Chairman of the Regional Football Association (RFA), Mr. Osei Tutu, and the Ashanti Regional President of the National Sports Council, Mr. Saka Quaye. After touching down at the Kumasi Airport, the team, buoyed by the arrival of the three returnees, namely Kevin Prince Boateng, Michael Essien and Dede Ayew, was whisked away from the tarmac by the team bus, and made their way straight to the Kumasi Children�s Home, where the Stars made a donation to the inmates. Amongst the items donated were three bags of Texas Rice, 3 bags of sugar, assorted drinks and toiletries. The donation was made on behalf of the team by the lead striker and Captain, Asamoah Gyan, together with the Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien. They are expected to train at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium ahead of the match on Friday. Meanwhile, reports indicate that their opponents, the Chipolopolo Stars, would arrive today (Thursday) from South Africa.