Having been given the assurance that he would be no subordinate to any Caucasian during the upcoming Africa Nations Cup in Mali, national headcoach Fred Osam Duodu can now redirect his energies at how best to produce a winsome side. Preparations for the tourney has not been the best but the experienced coach stresses that will serve no distraction to his ambitions to cause an upset at the tournament.

“Our preparations could have been better but that is no reason to keep moaning and look for scapegoats. The horrific incidents of May 9 played a major role in our late preparations. But for the suspension of the league, the season would have been over by now to allow us adequate preparation. That is nobody’s fault and I don’t think anybody’s purpose would be served by searching for a scapegoat,” Osam told Africa Sports in Accra last Sunday.

“If I can get six weeks of uninterrupted training, I still believe we can make an impact in Mali,” Osam said. Asked about Ghana’s group of Morocco, South Africa and Burkina Faso, coach Duodu said he was not scared of any of them.

“Of course, I respect them, but how can I be scared of them? He asked. Don’t write off Ghana yet. Those doing that could pay for it. We are focused, are on course and will spring a big surprise in Mali,” he said.

He concluded by saying that contrary to the news making the rounds that he has already made his squad, the final list will be out in January. “For now, the doors are still open”, he said.