It’s a must-win game for Ghana as qualification to next year’s Olympic Games would be decided on Friday at the Ohene Djan stadium with Nigeria coming to town.
Ghana needs a win over the Nigerians to pick the sole Group A ticket and join two other countries on the continent to make up the list of three African representatives for the Beijing Games, next year.
And ahead of the huge task, Olympic team coach, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio says he is happy with the form his players as he prepares the Black Meteors for the crunch game.
“I have been very impressed with my team and with what we are doing. The boys are playing great and I think everything is moving on well.
“You know I never predict games but we must win to ensure qualification after having worked hard over the past months. I have enough confidence in my team’s strength to beat Nigeria. It’s a must-win game for us,” Jones said after Wednesday morning’s training session at the Ohene Djan stadium.
Though a strong believer in his team’s ability to win on the day, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio is refusing to underrate Samson Siasia’s side, who beat Ghana 3-2 in the reverse fixture.
“They are a strong team and no doubt, we would be in for a match. They’ve got a strong character and we’ve also got the same. But I trust my boys to make our work pay off.”
The game which comes off in the capital, Accra and at the renovated Ohene Djan stadium is expected to attract a packed house and an expectant crowd. But Jones says he is well aware of the pressure.
“It’s good to be playing at home. We know the fans would be behind us and we have always been grateful for their support.
“We know our fans would come in expecting victory which we are working to give them.”