‘Powerful’ witch doctor who CURSED Harry Kane to stop him scoring against Ghana frees England captain to score again
ENGLAND fans can breathe easier after a witch doctor “released” Harry Kane from a World Cup curse which stopped him scoring against Ghana.
Nana Kwaku Bonsam had jinxed the Three Lions skipper who blazed over from six yards in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw.
Three Lions fans gasped in disbelief and Kane sank to his knees when he missed the best chance of the game.
Yesterday Bonsam declared his work was done, telling The Sun: “I tied Harry Kane for the Ghana game and now I’m going to release him so that next match he can score.
“Harry Kane, don’t be offended with me, we are friends but I had to do what I had to do.
“I have released you and I thank Kofi Kofi powers and the ancestors of the land.
READ MORE ON HARRY KANE
“I am the most powerful spiritualist in the world.
“Harry Kane, you are my friend and I just want to say I have loosed you.”
Bonsam, whose name means the Wednesday Devil, claims to draw his powers from the Kofi-Oo-Kofi shrine in a Ghanaian village.
He enjoys pop star status back home and claims to have caused Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo’s knee injury in the 2014 World Cup.
Last night Three Lions fan Richard Wilson, 65, laughed and said: “I’m relieved that the curse has been lifted after that display, and hope Kane gets his shooting boots back on.
“But God help us if we get the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the next round — they will have witch doctors galore!”
More than 30,000 England fans had packed into the Boston Stadium on Tuesday, but they and millions across England groaned as coach Thomas Tuchel’s men lost their creative spark.
Bayern Munich star Kane, 32, has bagged 64 goals this season — including two in England’s 4-2 curtain-raiser triumph over Croatia last week.
But he was largely anonymous for long spells against Ghana, and his team went more nearly an hour before having a clear shot on goal.
England’s best chance came after Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly thundered a header against the bar which bounced out to Kane.
Fans expecting the net to bulge an instant later wailed in dismay as the normally lethal striker volleyed high over the bar.
England, fourth best in the world, failed to break down a team 60 places below them in the Fifa rankings.
The Three Lions stay top of Group L but need three points on Saturday against Central American minnows Panama, world ranked 42, to clinch an easier path in the knockout stages.
Thirsty fans are preparing to party in glorious UK sunshine ahead of the 10pm kick-off (5pm local time) in New Jersey’s 80,600-seat MetLife Stadium.
Market experts say 35million pints will be downed at home and in boozers — triggering the biggest pub takings since Euro 2024.
Barbecues and TV parties will boost sales in supermarkets to an estimated £400million.
ITV expects 18million will watch England’s first weekend game.
England ratings vs Ghana: Gordon struggles will have Barcelona sweating but Anderson remains solid presence
ENGLAND were brought back down to earth as they laboured to a 0-0 draw with Ghana.
The Three Lions had gotten their World Cup campaign off to a perfect start last week by beating Croatia 4-2 in Texas.
Much was expected from their second group game, but Thomas Tuchel’s side never truly got going.
Ghana put up stubborn resistance under their wily boss Carlos Queiroz.
Despite England’s efforts, they could not break through.
Meanwhile, thousands of Three Lions fans were flocking to New York, a 20-minute drive from MetLife.
Fan singalongs are expected in iconic spots including Times Square and near the Empire State building.
Arsenal supporter John Collins, a 48-year-old accountant on his way from Boston to New York by bus, said: “This is going to be the highlight of the World Cup for many.
“Going to New York for an England game is what dreams are made of — and we’re going to make the most of it in the City That Never Sleeps!”