Kofi Owusu Aduonum
7 October 2008
column
The Ghana Black Stars are close to making their second successive World Cup appearance as they host their Lesotho counterparts in their twin (World\African cup) campaign, at Essipong, this Sunday.
Of course, tilting the scale against the visitors will inch the Stars closer to realising their cherished dream of a second streak appearance. The Stars' 0-1 loss to their Libyan counterparts in Tripoli has thrown the competition in Group B open, making it possible for any of the three contenders' as possible candidates, depending on the outcome of their last Group games. And as the Stars host The Crocodiles, they will have their ears firmly on the ground in anticipation that Gabon, who are third on the standings with seven points, will triumph over their guests to brighten the chances of the Stars' qualification.
But that will depend on the Stars' ability to go past their opponents in a game likely to favour the Ghanaians, taking into account what transpired when the two clashed in the first leg. The Stars won 3-2 in South Africa. No doubt, Michael Essien's absence, following an injury he sustained during the Ghana Libya World/ Africa Cup qualifier, will be greatly felt.
However, the inclusion of some new faces like Mathew Amoah, Jonathan Quartey, John Mensah, Daniel Yeboah, Prince Tagoe, David Addy and Mousa Narry among others, will offer Coach Milo more options in his bid to secure all the points at stake.
Copyright © 2008 Ghanaian Chronicle. 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.
Read comments. Write your own.