Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic says that the results so far in the 28th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations indicated that there are no small teams in the competition.
The Serbian was speaking ahead of their opening match against debutants Botswana scheduled for Franceville before Mali and Guinea complete the first matches for all teams at the finals.
“After what we have seen so far in the matches here at the finals, we are not going to take any team lightly “said Stevanovic. “ Our first game against Botswana is very important perhaps even more so than the final itself because once in the final you don’t need much motivation” said Stevanovic.
The Blacks Stars coach went on to add that he had done his preparation on the match and done his homework on the opponents whom he said are a good side and qualified ahead of Tunisia.
“The players are ready and we know our quality and come Tuesday we want to play and send a message that Ghana means business and we are the team to beat.”
Ghana team captain John Mensah , striker Asamoah Gyan and midfielder Dede Ayew joined the coach at the press conference ahead of the Botswana game.
Mensah spoke of a focused group of players ready to go one better than 2010 finals in Angola where the Black Stars lost to Egypt in the final, “Winning the Cup is our target and the boys are ready to end Ghana’s long drought for the title “ said the skipper
Meanwhile striker Gyan was confident but cautious saying “We know what quality we possess and l have confidence in the Black Stars but we will not underrate any team here at the finals. We won’t put ourselves under pressure but we will play our game and do so with an aim to realize our potential.
Ayew echoed his team-mates’ rallying call saying, “The guys in the camp are motivated and working with coach Stevanovic has been great and they cannot wait for the first game to get underway.
Ayew brushed aside the huge expectations on him to emulate his father Abedi “Pele” Ayew and excel in the famous number 10 shirt his dad used to wear.
“It is just a number really and l will still play out my best wearing any other number, what is important is for the Black Stars to do well here and we are ready to perform well and justify the favourites tag” said Ayew
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Joe Mettle announces Praise Reloaded 2026 at Accra Sports Stadium
6 minutes -
Fuel tanker carrying 54,000 litres crashes at Ahodwo in Kumasi
6 minutes -
Bono East farmers demand urgent support over market access, farm inputs and climate challenges
18 minutes -
Winneba Prison officers donate blood to Trauma Hospital to replenish blood bankÂ
23 minutes -
Women in banking sector must encouraged to occupy leadership positions – 2nd Dep. Governor of BoG
29 minutes -
‘Coaching unlocks potential’ – HR consultant
31 minutes -
Lake Bosomtwe faces loss of UNESCO status as developers destroy protected zones
37 minutes -
KGL pays over GH₵153m in taxes to GRA
37 minutes -
Ghana’s economic gains “not cosmetic” – Finance Minister assures investors in Washington
39 minutes -
Free Primary Healthcare: Community nurses to receive equipped backpacks — Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah
39 minutes -
Upper West Regional Minister assures nurses of improved welfare, urges ethical conduct
53 minutes -
Free Primary Healthcare policy is NDC’s original idea — Dr Ayensu-Danquah
56 minutes -
Traditional leaders rally farmers to combat ‘galamsey’ threat in Asante Akyem
1 hour -
Ghana’s economic reforms yield results as investor confidence rebounds – Finance Minister
1 hour -
Free Primary Healthcare: Health doesn’t have a political colour – Deputy Health Minister tells NPP
1 hour