Soccer News of Thursday, 21 March 2013

Source: GNA

Injury blow for Sudan ahead of Ghana clash

Sudan have been dealt a major blow with injuries ruling out two key players for this weekend’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Ghana.

The Desert Hawks will be without Al-Hilal duo, midfielder Omer Bakheit and striker Mudathir ‘Careca’ At-Taieb for the Group D encounter billed for Sunday, March 24 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

Information gathered by GNA Sports indicates that the duo sustained the injuries whilst in action for their clubs during the CAF Champions League 1/16 round first leg with Ivorian champions, Sewe San Pedro in Abidjan last Sunday.

The absence of the two players integral to the team’s plans will serve a bitter pill for head coach Mohamed ‘Mazda’ Abdallah, who is confident his charges will stretch the Black Stars to their fullest limit.

Al-Taieb, 24, the Desert Hawks most consistent striker in recent times was joint top scorer when Sudanese clinched bronze at the 2011 African Nations Championships (CHAN) on home soil.

Bakheit on the other hand is one of the most experienced players in the squad having made his debut few years ago.

In their absence, Abdallah has handed a surprise call up to 22-year-old midfielder Mohamed Musa from rivals Al-Merrikh to make up for the void.