... request to reschedule clash ahead of England friendly

Congo have rejected Ghana’s request to play their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier a day earlier which means the Black Stars have just two days after the game in Brazzaville to play England.

The clash with Congo was originally scheduled to be played on Sunday, 27 March.

The Ghana FA had pleaded with their Congolese counterparts to have the game brought forward by one to give them ample time to prepare for the England friendly scheduled for Tuesday, 29 March.

But Ghana FA vice presidinet Fred Pappoe told Kickoff that the Congo FA has rejected the request.

“We tried really hard to convince the Congolese to move the qualifier to a Saturday but they refused and insist on sticking to the Sunday,” GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe.

“Maybe they sense an advantage in that but we are prepared for that.”

This means with travelling time after the Congo game, the Black Stars might arrive in London on 28 March just one day before the England clash.

With jet-lag, Ghana might be able to train only once before facing England in the historic friendly at Wembley.