AS the countdown continues on the epic confrontation between Ghana and Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers, Ghana's skipper, Charles Akunnor has admitted the Black Stars are a flop.

The Germany-based midfieder who is not reckoned with in Cecil Jones Attaguayfio's match plans has acknowledged to BBC that the players have disappointed Ghanaians and therefore offered profuse apologies.

In the interview with the BBC, the Ghanaian skipper admitted that their chances for the World Cup are all gone except they beat Nigeria on Sunday.

But he said that rather than blaming the technical crew, the Black Stars should have redeemed their image in the last match with Sudan after losing 1-3 to Liberia at home.

"On behalf of the players, I would like to apologise for the poor performances that we have made.

"People in Ghana have lost hope in us. We haven't lost yet and people should keep faith in us.

"We are all dreaming of reaching the World Cup. It might be in 2002 or 2006," Charles Akunnor told the BBC.

The apology might have triggered a change of policy as Ghana may no longer feature an all-home boys against Nigeria on Sunday.

Ghana's sports web revealed yesterday that AC Parma star, Stephen Appiah has arrived the Swedru camp of the Black Stars.

Embattled coach Attuquayefio is also believed to have made overtures to another foreign based defender, Mohammed Gargo of Udinese who captained Black Stars against Nigeria in the 0-0 draw friendly tie in Lagos that preceded the Nigeria-Ghana African Cup of Nations' draws.

Mohammed Gargo walked away on the team after their inglorious exit by South Africa in the quarter finals.

Information has it that Ghanaian officials are still negotiating with the player to rescind his decision to stay off from the Black Stars.

Meanwhile, one of the 23 invited local players, Agyeman Duah is down with groin injury and may not be fit for Sunday's match.