GhanaFA

Michel focusing on Ghana game

16 years ago
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Morocco coach, Henri Michel is demanding an improved performance from his team when they play African Cup of Nations hosts, Ghana on Monday in the final group game at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

Michel watched Morocco start the tournament with a heavy win, thrashing Namibia 5-1 before losing 3-2 to Guinea. And to qualify past the group stage, Henri Michel’s Atlas Lions will have to beat Ghana.

Guinea and Morocco have three points apiece but the Guineans look to have an easier game on their hands on Monday against Namibia at the Sekondi Sports Stadium as both Group A matches kick off simultaneously at 1700 GMT.

The Moroccan coach prays his team plays better against Ghana as he intends going all out for victory.

“Our next game is against Ghana and we have to work hard. We have to battle it out to get the results. It is going to be difficult especially, because we play against Ghana which is a tough team.

“But as I said, we have to work hard to win that game and go to the next stage. So that’s what we intend doing,” Henri Michel said.

“Guinea played better and deserved the victory. Things didn’t work out for us. We will go all out against Ghana next Monday.”

Henri Michel says his team’s defeat to Guinea was a general problem as he analysed what went wrong on the day but he expects things to get better against Ghana.

“We thought of injecting new blood in the midfield to make it more efficient but I just realised it was the whole team. We were affected as things didn’t work out the way it should. So, we are just working on it and expecting it to be better.

“They made mistakes which they paid for. Next is Ghana and that is all they have to focus on,” Henri Michel added. Moroccan star-player, Youssef Hadji says it’s time to forget about the defeat and focus on the Ghana game.

“This is something to forget about and concentrate on the next match to come,” says the Moroccan player.

Ghana, who are closer to a last eight place at the tournament need only a draw to confirm their place in the quarter-finals.