Soccer News of Tuesday, 11 September 2012

Source: Prince Dornu-Leiku / 90 MINUTES

Atsu: I won’t get swollen headed

Portugal based Christian Atsu is not getting swollen headed over the continued praises that keep on been showered all over him after another outstanding display in a Black Stars shirt. The FC Porto star has risen from virtual obscurity to become one of the most talked about Ghanaian players within a matter of months.

Atsu rose to prominence after starring for the Stars in their 7-0 World Cup qualifying rout of Lesotho back in June and earned his first competitive start for the national team against Malawi.

Like he did in Kumasi against Lesotho, Atsu was once again quick off the mark, setting Ghana on the way to victory with the opening goal as the Black Stars won 2-0 in the first of two legs to determine qualifiers to the next Africa Cup of Nations. “I thank God so much for helping us to win and it’s not important who scored, the team has won and that’s what we should talk about. It wasn’t easy but we dominated the game and created a lot of chances,” Atsu recounted his take on the game to 90 MINUTES.

He continued: “As you can see how Malawi played, any team that comes here will play that tough but I am proud we were able to stand up to their physical game and still dominated them.” He is also confident the Black Stars can eventually overcome Malawi in the two-legged tie for one of 15 qualification tickets to the tournament next January and February in South Africa.

He told 90 MINUTES:

“Nothing is impossible with God. We have a good chance because they don’t have an away goal so they have to beat us convincingly over there in their home ground. But I am not looking at it that way because I believe we have a good team that can go there and win.”