A chance encounter at a hotel in Virginia turned into a memorable experience for US-based Ghanaian physician Dr. Bertha Serwaa Bonsu Ayi, who unexpectedly met members of Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, during their stay in the United States ahead of FIFA World Cup preparations.

Dr. Bonsu Ayi recounted that the encounter took place on June 10, 2026, at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Virginia, where the Black Stars were staying ahead of a send-off dinner in Washington, DC.

The team was being hosted through the efforts of the Ghana Diaspora Affairs Collective (GHPAC), led by Adwoa Adofo Kyerematen. Dr. Bonsu Ayi, who is a member of GHPAC, had made a reservation at the hotel to attend the event.

According to her, the dinner was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., but the only flight that fit her schedule arrived in Washington at approximately 7 p.m. By the time she reached the hotel, it was shortly after 8 p.m.

Still dressed casually, she intended to head straight to her room, change into her evening attire and then join the event downstairs.

However, events took an unexpected turn.

Dr. Bonsu Ayi said she entered an elevator intending to go to the 13th floor but somehow missed her stop. The elevator continued to the 27th floor. On the way back down, she again attempted to stop at the 13th floor but missed it a second time.

What initially appeared to be an inconvenience would soon lead to an unexpected opportunity.

When the elevator stopped on the fourth floor, two men entered. Dr. Bonsu Ayi said she struck up a conversation with them, something she frequently does when travelling.

The first man told her he was part of the security team. She then noticed the Black Stars insignia on his clothing. Curious, she asked the second man about his role and was surprised to learn that he was one of the Black Stars players.

The player informed her that he was on his way to join his teammates, who were gathered in another room waiting to be ushered into the evening's programme.

Dr. Bonsu Ayi said she asked whether she could accompany him to briefly greet the team, despite feeling somewhat hesitant because she was dressed casually and unprepared for a formal introduction.

The player agreed.

Upon entering the room, she found herself surrounded by members of Ghana's national team. The players were seated, many using their phones, dressed in coordinated Black Stars attire and preparing for the evening's activities.

She described the players as warm, respectful and approachable.

Dr. Bonsu Ayi introduced herself as a Ghanaian physician and greeted the players individually. The interactions included handshakes, brief conversations and photographs.

The experience continued when she later joined another gathering involving members of the team's leadership and support staff.

Present were executives, coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, managers and the team's physician, Dr. Prince Pambo.

During a conversation with Dr. Pambo, she asked when he had completed medical school. He told her he graduated from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medical Sciences in 2006.

Dr. Bonsu Ayi then revealed that she graduated from the University of Ghana Medical School in 1996.

According to her, Dr. Pambo reacted with surprise.

"Oh my goodness! You look so good! You don't look ten years older than me. Look at my hair — you look much younger than I do!" he remarked.

The exchange drew laughter from both doctors and quickly created a bond between them.

Dr. Bonsu Ayi said Dr. Pambo subsequently referred to her as his "big sister" and introduced her to several people in the room, including coaches, trainers, executives and other support staff.

As he moved around the gathering, he repeatedly introduced her by saying, "This is my big sister."

What began as a brief introduction evolved into one of the most memorable moments of the evening, she said.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Bonsu Ayi said she left with a renewed sense of pride as a Ghanaian physician, a member of GHPAC and someone committed to Ghana's development both at home and abroad.

She noted that the Black Stars represent more than football, describing them as symbols of Ghana's resilience, talent and global potential.

Dr. Bonsu Ayi also reflected on a lesson passed down by her late grandfather, Opanyin Osei Bonsu, whose favourite saying was "Kasa nipa ho" — literally, "engage people in conversation."

According to her, the unexpected encounter reinforced the value of connecting with others and remaining open to opportunities.

"What began with a missed elevator stop became one of the most meaningful moments of my visit to Washington, DC," she said.

"Sometimes life takes us past the floor we intended to reach so that we can arrive exactly where we were meant to be."