Sports News of Thursday, 1 September 2011

Source: --

Preview: Goran wants Ghana to impress

Competition: 2012 African Nations Cup Qualifier

Teams: Ghana v Swaziland

Venue: Accra Sports Stadium - Accra

Date: September 2, 2011

Time: 18:00 GMT [6:00PM Local Time]

For some Black Stars players, Ghana's game with Swaziland would bring back memories of the Black Stars' 3-0 victory in the first leg.

However, ahead of Friday's penultimate Group I clash at the Accra Sports Stadium, Goran Stevanovic is not dwelling on events of the match in Mbabane played a year ago.

The coach is happy with the concentration of his players in training and has asked them not to downplay the threat posed by their opponents in the qualifying for 2012 African Nations Cup.

Stevanovic says the teams priority is to secure victory in Accra and maintain top spot in Group I.

“We must win this game and leave a good impression in front of our home fans while also getting the needed three points," the Ghana coach said.

The Black Stars sit top of the group with a better goal advantage ahead of Sudan.

“I promise we’ll give off our best and we want all Ghanaians to join in because these people (players) deserve it.”

Ghana will edge closer to qualifying for the finals if they secure their fourth win in the qualifying campaign with Andre Ayew, who scored in the reverse game, hoping the Black Stars maintain their fine form.

"We have to win and win well against Swaziland; it is as simple as that", Ayew said ahead of the game in Accra.

"We have to remember that there is a game to play against Sudan away from home so if we win here we go there with one foot at the Nations Cup, with an early advantage."

Ayew's views is also echoed by colleague, Anthony Annan, who says Ghana's first leg win would count for nothing if the Black Stars fail to win on before an expectant home crowd.

"Not at all. It is very true we beat them 3-0 but that does not mean that they are a weak side. Every team that plays against Ghana redouble their efforts and we expect Swaziland to follow that trend. However, we are determined for victory and we will do our best to achieve our target," said the on-loan Vitesse Arnhem player.