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Ghana defender John Paintsil expects soccer fans to give Michael Essien a rousing welcome when the Black Stars play Congo in an African Nations Cup qualifier on home soil next month. Essien will play in front of a partisan crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi for the first time in over two years after he returned to international duties following a year self imposed exile. There have been mixed reactions to his comeback but the Fulham right-back says fans should give him a warm reception. �We are happy that he has come back to the national team and fans should support him and let him feel at home when we play in Kumasi,� Pantsil told Citi Sports. �I will advise fans to take it easy because these things can happen as footballers we understand things can go wrong and therefore should welcome him with a good heart because his comeback will lift the morale of the team.�