Soccer News of Monday, 17 November 2008

Source: GNA

Coach 'Milo' relishes Tunisia challenge

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac has rated the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia as a good test for his team for the second round of the qualifying rounds of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations.

The Stars host the Tunisians in an international friendly on Wednesday and the Serb believes the game will afford his team to fine-tune it's preparations for the major qualifiers. Coach Milo told the media on Monday after the Stars' first training session at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra that "Tunisia is an excellent side and they will give us a good test."

Despite being a friendly, Milo has targeted a positive outing from his players to boost their preparations for next year's clash against Benin.

"This is a friendly game, but I expect the players to give off their best."

The Serb explained that the invitation of uncapped players such as Samuel Yeboah of Israeli side, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Samuel Kyere of Arab Contractors, Egypt and Jonathan Mensah is aimed at building a formidable substitutes for the team.

Regulars John Mensah, Laryea Kingston, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari are unavailable for the tie, but Milo is upbeat about the chances of his team.

Meanwhile, the technical handlers of the Black Stars are still awaiting the arrival of two players, Eric Addo of PSV Eindhoven and Haminu Dramani of Russian side, Locomotiv Moscow.

The duo were the notable absentees as the Stars held their first training session for Wednesday's clash with their Tunisian counterparts.

The twenty players who trained together included captain Stephen Appiah, Samuel Kyere, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Jonathan Quartey, Edmund Owusu Ansah, Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Ayew Yeboah, Andre Ayew, Daniel Yeboah, Matthew Amoah, Richard Kingston.

The rest are Abdul Samad Oppong, Hans Adu Sarpei, Prince Tagoe, Samuel Yeboah, Samuel Inkoom, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Manuel Junior Agogo, Jordan Opoku and George Owu.