Afedzie cautions Black Stars over Libya

Tripoli, Libya, April 1, GNA - Former Hearts of Oak's midfielder, Stanley Afedzie has advised the Black Stars to eschew complacency when they host the "Greens" of Libya in the opening match of the South Africa 2010 World Cup qualifier in June.

The Black Stars will engage Libya on June 3 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi in the joint African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifier.


Afedzie, who now plays for Libya's biggest club, Al Ittihad told the GNA Sports in Tripoli that the Stars dare underrate the Libyans at their own peril.


"Libya football is developing so fast and the Black Stars can't afford to be complacent."


The Al-Ittihad playmaker disclosed that 12 members of the Libyan national team are his club mates, whom he described as capable of upsetting any side.


"Most of the national team players are locally based who train regularly and engage in friendlies often."

Afedzie, who joined Al- Ittihad on a three-year contract last December, mentioned goalkeeper Samir Abbud, central defender Younes Shibani, midfielder Waled Mahdeb and striker Salem Rewani as some of his club mates and key members of the Libyan national team.The midfielder said he is ready to avail his services to the Ghana technical handlers when called upon.


"Even though I'm not a coach, I know very much about these players, their strength and weaknesses."


Afedzie who is adored by fans of the Tripoli-based club despite his short stint, lauded Black Stars coach, Claude Le Roy's idea to cast his net wider in his quest to build a formidable squad.


Libya held Ghana 0-0 on their last trip to the West African country on July 14, 1985 during the qualifying rounds of the 1986 World Cup.