Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana’s World Cup group opponents, Australia, were sending their assistant coach Graham Arnold to spy on the Black Stars at the African Cup of Nations in Angola but he has chickened out because of safety concerns.
Arnold was due to be in Angolan enclave of Cabinda to watch the Black Stars play Togo but has withdrawn in the wake of the attack on the Togolese which killed three people.
Arnold was also scheduled to attend the tournament on a World Cup scouting mission but officials decided not to send him because of issues with security, says the Australian Football Federation (FFA).
The logistics of travelling to Cabinda, where Group B - comprising Togo Ghana, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso - is based has also conspired against the surreptitious activities of the Australians.
"We just felt it wasn't safe, but it's horrible to be proven right," said John Boultbee, the FFA's head of national teams.
"Initially, we had plans for Graham to attend Togo's game against Ghana because Ghana is in our pool at the World Cup but when we had a closer look at it we decided not to send him on security grounds.
"It was a game we felt was important to be at because Graham would have had the opportunity to assess Ghana at full strength in a competitive tournament, but not at any cost.
"The fact they were playing in this enclave was of concern as it is quite a remote area and would have required either flying there in a very small aircraft or travelling by land across the Congo, and we just thought that wasn't the right thing to ask someone to do.
“Of course, we weren't expecting anything like this to happen but when the news came through there was a little bit of relief that we hadn't sent anyone.''
Instead of travelling to Angola, Arnold flew to Manchester after last week's Asian Cup qualifying match in Kuwait, and will now study video footage of Ghana's matches in the African Cup of Nations.
Source: Ghanasoccernet.com/Ghana
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
-
Driver, passenger escape unhurt after tree falls on taxi at Golf Hills
15 minutes -
We’re fully prepared and determined to secure victory – Black Stars assure Mahama
16 minutes -
2026 World Cup: Late Yirenkyi strike gives Ghana victory over Panama in opener
31 minutes -
‘Scared to take him off’ – Ronaldo struggles after fellow superstars sparkle
3 hours -
I knew stuttered run-up might get keeper off line – Kane
4 hours -
Diaspora Affairs Office endorses partnership for Ghana Diaspora Volunteerism Initiative
4 hours -
Kane and Bellingham shine as England outshine Croatia in thriller
4 hours -
‘Chip on shoulder’ may help Bellingham to best form
4 hours -
Real Madrid sign Silva on free after Man City exit
4 hours -
2026 World Cup: DR Congo stun Portugal to claim point in opening game
4 hours -
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu in prison custody, not under house arrest – Kwakye Ofosu
4 hours -
NPA inaugurates 16-member committee to develop bitumen regulatory framework
5 hours -
Photos: Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye arrives in Accra for reparatory justice conference
5 hours -
Ex-health worker tried to sell Catherine’s medical records
6 hours -
Trade Minister, Ambassador to US, others to grace Litina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Business Expo
6 hours