Soccer News of Wednesday, 28 February 2007

Source: GNA

Black Stars to host a world class team

Accra, Feb. 28, GNA - Ghana's Black Stars are scheduled to engage a yet-to-be named world class team at the national "Wembley" in November.

The match is aimed at getting the team accustomed to possible pressures associated with playing in front of home crowd ahead of the next African Cup of Nations due in Ghana in 2008.

The game, a baby of Stars coach Claude Le Roy, is schedule for Wednesday November 21.

The trainer told the GNA Sports "I have asked the GFA to get us a big game to enable the team to learn how to adapt to the often demanding home crowd before January 20".

The biannual event spans January 20 to February 10. He reckons the game will be tough, regardless of the opposition they may present.

"We may not know our opponents but I already have a feeling the match will be tough. But we will play to win. Apart from the importance of a good performance, victory will do our confidence a lot of good. "Supporters are very crucial to games and if we win on the day, then we can be sure of how much they will give back to us when the tourney is here".

Coach Le Roy said the team has set its sights on the title Egypt won last year and are therefore willing to sacrifice a lot to turn that dream into a reality.

"We are aware that a lot of teams will be preparing for us as hosts and also our current unblemished form and these are enough reasons for us to sacrifice a lot to ensure we win the ultimate because each game will be pretty tough".
Ghana will be making a fifth attempt at gold at the three-week fiesta.
The Egyptians are the only country to have won the continental showpiece five times.
November's duel will be the team's first at home since 2005. 28 February 2007