Accra, Oct 8, GNA - Ghana's skipper, Stephen Appiah says the Black Stars are willed to win an envisaged gruelling Group Five World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Saturday at the Essipong stadium near Sekondi.

Appiah reckons the team would be under pressure to produce the results that could give them a realistic chance of picking one of the two group slots to the next phase of qualifiers but insists "we will brave the storm."

He told GNA Sports "playing at home will bring a lot of pressure but we know what is at stake and we haven't come this far only to deflate our ambitions." The skipper said "Lesotho will play it tough because they have nothing to lose and we are prepared to give it our all for a good result."

The team would be without influential injured midfielder, Michael Essien and banned Laryea Kinston but Appiah believes the players available would make up for the absence of the duo. "It's unfortunate Michael and Laryea will not be available but the rest of us will work very hard to make up for their absence." Appiah plays his second match after returning from a protracted injury that almost cost his flamboyant career for almost a year on Saturday.

The former Juventus icon said the team has their work well cut out for the duel slated for the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi. The inspirational skipper was modest with his return which he describes as only a positive addition to a team that has proven that quality and zeal remained their hallmark. "I don't think my return will make any difference because this team has proven that without me, they can work hard and get the results."