28 January 2008
Lagos — Today's Group A tie at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra between African Nations Cup host, Ghana and their Moroccan counterparts promises an entrapments of African soccer artistry on display, as both sides search for points to better their lot at the championship.
Though, Ghana's Black Stars need just a point to guarantee a quarter-final berth at the 26th MTN Africa Nations Cup after striker Junior Agogo earned the hosts a 1-0 win over Namibia last Thursday, Morocco on the other hand needed an outright win to remain in contention for the next round of the championship after their shocking 2-3 loss to Guinea in their last group match.
Ghana, who are currently toping the group table on six points, with Morocco and Guinea both on three points are expected to raise their game today in order to restore the confidence of their home fans, who remain doubtful of the team's chance of wining the trophy after their team's two games.
The Black Stars' 1-0 victory over Guinea in their opening game and another 1-0 narrow victory against Namibia in their second group game, spoke volume of the team's chance to face challenges from team likes Ivory Coast, Egypt or even today's opponent.
As usual, Ghana's Michael Essien, who was adjudged MTN "Most Valuable Player" in the game against Guinea is expected to marshal the Black Stars midfield, while West Ham right back John Pantsil, who was flown to Nigeria last week for a scan after suffering convulsion against Guinea, is also to be in Coach Claude Le Roy starting line up.
Irked by their painful defeat to Guinea, the Atlas Lions will have all to play for to be sure of a place in the quarterfinal while hoping Guinea fall against Namibia in the other group match slated for Sekondi Stadium.
However, Atlas Lions Captain, Youssef Safri, said the team will go all out to earn the three maximum points at stake.
"We shouldn't have been defeated," he said. "Now we have to prepare for the match against the hosts, which will be very difficult. I hope we'll be well prepared, because we have no other option but to win in that match to qualify to the second round," he declared.
If these words are anything to go by, then soccer fans are poised for a tension soaked encounter.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 Daily Champion. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
