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GFA Boss wants Duya to stay

Fri, 3 Feb 2006 Source: BBC

Ghana Football Association chairman Kwesi Nyantekyi wants Ratomir Dujkovic to remain as the Black Stars' coach despite the country's disappointing African Cup of Nations.

Ghana, who are making at their debut at the World Cup finals this year, were knocked out of after the first round in Egypt, after losing to Nigeria and Zimbabwe and only just edging past Senegal 1-0.

The poor showing has led to calls for Dujkovic to be dismissed, but Nyantekyi said that he will stand by the coach.

"We're supposed to meet first thing next week to discuss Dujkovic's future, but my personal position is that the coach must stay," he told BBC Sport.

"It will make little sense to sack a coach between now and the World Cup."

Nyantekyi's comments come as radio phone-in programs have been flooded with calls for Dujkovic to be sacked and when the team returned to Accra on Wednesday they were escorted away from the airport by heavily armed security.

Nyantekyi did however admit that the team had played poorly at the Nations Cup.

"Egypt showed that we took players who weren't up to scratch," he said.

"So we need to sift through the team before the World Cup in June.

"Not only do we need to bring back the injured players but other players who for one reason or the other were not called up for the Cup of Nations."

Dujkovic has blamed injuries to key midfielders Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and striker Asamoah Gyan as well a low level of commitment from his players for the early elimination but has insisted he is ready for the axe.

"I have a contract with the Ghana Football Association until after the World Cup that I intend to honour and which I expect them to honour too," he said.

"But if the GFA tell me they are unhappy with me, I have my luggage packed ready to go."

Source: BBC