Ghana coach out to give Zambia a real game

By Ameenu Shardow

Ghana coach Akwasi Appiah insists his side will give Zambia a good run for their money in Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier.

The African champions must beat the Black Stars at their newly built Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola reignite their prospects of qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil after their shock 2-0 loss to Sudan last week.

But Ghana are on the other hand on a high following their 7-0 thrashing of Lesotho on the opening day and are well bent on securing a victory which will atone for their semi final defeat to the Chipolopolo at the 2012 Nations Cup.

The Black Stars coach Appiah is fully focused on the task ahead saying the great result from the Lesotho game is tucked in history where it belongs.

“I am not to talk about Lesotho, yes we won and we are happy, but football is football and we are here to play Zambia, forget about Lesotho, we want to concentrate on Zambia because it is a good side,” he said.

“No team goes in the pitch to say that they are going to lose. But one thing is for sure, we are going to give the African champions a good run.

“Just because Zambia lost to Sudan doesn’t mean that that they are not a good side. Zambia has got good and talented players and we are not going to underrate them.”

Saturday’s game will be the first between the two sides since Zambia chalked a famous victory over Ghana on their way to their sole continental crown in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

But very recent form and experience in World Cup qualification series is with the Black Stars despite playing away from home.