Black Stars
A seemingly daunting assignment confronts Coach Kwasi Appiah and his men as they battle their Malawian counterparts today in Lilongwe.
Apart from Kwadwo Asamoah?s injury concern, the Ghanaians have a clean sheet and would be using it as their trump card to scale over the Lilongwe hurdle despite playing before a fanatic crowd.
Malawi manager Kina Phiri cautioned the Stars to expect an uncompromising return clash the last time he visited Accra after the 0-2 loss.
Phiri believes he has what it takes to overturn the 0-2 deficit to pick the ticket to the 29th edition of the Nations Cup.
His recent interviews attest to the fact that he is still resolute in his pledge and has strategized to upset the visitors.
However, the Ghanaians, blessed with an array of stars, look hungrier to make amends for their recently not-too-impressive Nations Cup outings.
The return of right back John Paintsil, who has asked Asamoah Gyan to continue from where he left of by way of leading the team, has served as a boost to the entire team.
Dede Ayew, Christian Atsu, Anthony Annang, Solomon Asante, among others have a strong desire to make it to South Africa next January, and this is enough motivation to go the extra mile today, the venue notwithstanding.
Meanwhile Dede Ayew says Ghana needs an early goal to unsettle Malawi in today?s game.
The country?s FA has rallied support for the Flames to ensure the Black Stars face an intimidating atmosphere at the Civo Stadium today.
And Ayew recognizes an early goal is what is needed to rattle the home side to get Ghana well on its way to victory.
?It will be a tough game. Malawi have a good midfield and are tactically sound but if we can get the first goal early it may be tough for them to bounce back,? the Olympique Marseille enforcer said.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum
