20 November 2007
Lagos — Togo's Nigerian-born coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has sensationally written off the Nations Cup chances of the Super Eagles, a team he led for about 10 years!
Speaking with Ghanaian newspaper, Graphic, Nigeria's longest serving national team skipper, tipped hosts Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire to clash in the final of Ghana 2008.
Incidentally, the former Stade Abidjan star was the last Super Eagles' skipper to have lifted the coveted trophy when Nigeria triumphed at Tunisia'94. That was also the last competition he played for the country.
Meanwhile, despite failing to get Togo into today's final of the Zenith Bank Four-Nation International Tournament,
Keshi says he wasn't disappointed with his team's performance.
"Rather, I am happy with the way Hawks played against
Ghana on Sunday," he said.
Hosts, the Black Stars on Sunday ensured that Togo miss out of a place in the finals after beating Togo 2-0 at the newly refurbished Ohene Djan Stadium. This afternoon, Ghana takes on Benin to decide who wins the tourney.
Togo would now have to settle for a 3rd or 4th position when they play the United Arab Emirates, another losing side in the competition earlier in the day.
The former Super Eagles captain insisted that given the little time frame for him to regroup the team for the competition, Togo certainly was not disgraced.
"I am satisfied with the performance of my players, considering that we just grouped these players on Wednesday to play this game because we did not know we will play.
"It was a good experience for my young players and we will try to win against the United Arab Emirates," the Nigerian-born coach explained.
Togo and Arsenal striker, Emmanuel Adebayor admited it was a tough game but insisted he enjoyed himself.
"It was a tough game and I enjoyed myself but I was sad about the way we lost the game. But that is part of the game. They (Ghana) play very good football and it was good for them (Ghana)," the Arsenal striker stressed.
Two second half goals by Baffour Gyan and Laryea Kingston ensured that Ghana lines up for today's final with Benin Republic.
The Black Stars playing for the first time at the Ohene Djan stadium in Accra since 2004 outplayed their opponents, Togo, who fielded a young team led by Adebayor.
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