Stars set for last tango

Accra, Nov. 12, GNA - Pride will be at stake when the Black Stars host the Eagles of Mali in the final clash of the 2010 World Cup/Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Sunday.

The clash, billed for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, will have nothing at stake but pride as the curtain goes down on the qualifiers for the two competitions.


With Group D's places for the South Africa 2010 and Orange Africa Cup of Nations settled on Ghana, Mali and Benin the encounter will only serve an academic purpose.


Mali and Benin will hope to either maintain or improve on their standings.


For the Stars image redemption will be their watchword against the Eagles who many tipped to give them a stiff opposition for the solitary World Cup slot but this did not happen.


The Stars lost their unbeaten run in the penultimate clash against Les Ecuriels of Benin last month in Cotonou and are banking heavily on a massive victory to reclaim the love and support of their huge following. Still assured of the top spot irrespective of the outcome of the match, a double over the Malians will serve as a farewell and thank you package for the teeming fans.

The Stars beat the Eagles 2-0 in Bamako with goals from new kid on the bloc, Kwadwo Asamoah and Matthew Amoah, a result which set the tone for their qualification to their second successive Mundial. For Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajevac, he is approaching the game with all the seriousness it deserves as the outcome will largely prove crucial in their placement for the draw of both the Orange Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.


The Serb has handed expected call-ups to seven players of the victorious Black Satellites squad at the just ended FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.


Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner Dominic Adiyiah leads the pack which includes goalkeeper Daniel Agyei, defender Samuel Inkoom and Daniel Addo, midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Captain Andre Ayew and attacker Opoku Agyemang.


The six will complement the efforts of 'old horses' Captain Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and John Paintsil among others for a resounding victory to climax their qualifying series.


The Eagles, who have managed just a win so far, will be without instrumental midfielder Seydou Keita of Spanish giants Barcelona FC, but are poised to spoil the Star's party with a shocking result. The Stars launched their campaign with a 3-0 win over the Greens of Libya last year at the same venue. 12 Nov. 09