... ahead of Mexico friendly match
Accra, Feb. 13, GNA - The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is to screen 20 players including some key members who featured for the Black Stars at the just-ended MTN Cup of Nations in Egypt ahead of an international friendly against Mexico on Wednesday, March 1.

The names of the players have not been disclosed but a source told the GNA Sports that "under siege" Michael Essien might use the match to appease Ghanaian soccer fans for his inability to feature for the Black Stars at the Nations Cup due to a "doubtful" injury.

The Stars urged the management of the team to review the March after their shock defeat to Zimbabwe at the CAN 2006 on grounds that most of the boys may not fully recover before the game.

The injury-ravaged Ghanaian team were sceptical that another loss ahead of the June World Cup in Germany could dampen the team's spirit. The match against the South Americans forms part of the team's preparations towards the Mundial, but the players, aware that another major upset could incur the wrath of fans, have asked the officials to put it on ice.

The Stars were bundled out of the CAN 2006 at the group stage after recording just a win over Senegal. They lost to neighbours Nigeria by a lone goal and were surprised by minnows Zimbabwe 2-1 in the final group match.

The team was without its key ingredients - Michael Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari and Asamoah Gyan.