By Patrick Akoto
Lesotho coach Leslie Notsie has passed a massive vote of confidence in the Black Stars to emerge winners in their group ahead of Zambia in the race to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil next year.
The Chipolopolo have seen their lead cut to a point after they struggled to draw 1-1 against the Crocodiles in Maseru last Sunday.
The draw has raised hopes among Ghanaian soccer fans while Zambia are left ruing the lost opportunity to maintain their point build-up.
Notsie believes the Zambians have lost the spark that won them the 2012 African Cup of Nations title and do not possess any threat to the ambitions of the Black Stars to qualify to the global showpiece.
“"I have played against all three teams in the group now and I would say Ghana looks too stronger and consistent compared to all the other because technically, I can see a lot of things,†Notsie told Sunyani-based Storm FM.
"I was expecting a lot from them (Zambia) in our match because looking at their track record, they have been together for years and they are African champions.
“Going out  in the AFCON group stage, I thought they would come as wounded Lions so I was a bit upset you know but in the end I was disappointed".
"When we played Ghana, their team was not strong that time but we never had breath and I wanted the match to end fast but Zambia gave us belief that we can play them boot for boot.
"I think their team is not strong anywhere because many of their players have run out of steam and it won’t be easy for them if they play this way.
"Of course Ghana won’t have an easy game when they visit us in Maseru but true fact is, am not looking out of plenty in that match".
Coach Herve Renard men are in turmoil after the country’s sports minister Sports Minister Chishimba threatened to disband the team following the set-back in Maseru.
But the Frenchman insists their World Cup dreams are still alive and have the men to urge past the Ghanaians in the hot race to Brazil 2014.