Ghana needs South Africa win

Despite two games remaining in the Olympic qualifying series, observers believe that Ghana are almost through to picking up the sole ticket to Beijing Games with the Black Meteors playing their last two matches at home.

But team coach, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio says it’s one game at a time as Ghana comes up against South Africa today at the El-Wak stadium in Accra.

The penultimate clash is not expected to be one-sided affair in Ghana’s favour after convincingly beating the Amaglug-glug 3-1 in first leg game away in August.

That result might have improved Ghana’s chances considerably but Jones Attuquayefio, who is optimist is approaching Sunday’s game with some caution.

Though South Africa’s preparations has been rocked by player withdrawals – five players pulling out -, Jones still sees his opponents as a formidable opposition and is still keeping his team’s focus on the daunting task ahead with the availability of players like Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Michael Helegbe and Nafiu Iddrissu.

“I don't want us to be our own enemies by falling into the trap of complacency. We cannot start jubilating about our qualification when we have two crucial battles to confront.

“I do agree we have an excellent opportunity to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. But we need to continue to keep our focus. We can't lift our foot off the pedal.”

“South Africa will come to Ghana fully charged, not unaware they have a mathematical chance of qualification. More importantly, they will also be playing for pride. We therefore have a greater responsibility to maintain our focus. Once we keep that balance and discipline, I know we can fulfill the high expectation of making it to China,” Ghana’s coach said.

A win over South Africa at home is needed to see Ghana jump on top the standings over Nigeria who presently lead the Black Meteors by just a point though South Africa’s coach, Stephen Komphela whose team is faced with elimination says: “I believe in the ability of my squad," "and with belief anything is possible."

The Black Meteors are second on the table with just a point separating Ghana and table toppers, Nigeria on the three-team group dubbed at the “Group of Death”.

Though the group initially had four teams, Ethiopia pulled out citing their millennium celebrations thus leaving the three countries to slug it out for the sole price of qualifying for the 2008 games.

The Black Meteors, who lost their first game away to Nigeria, would now play their remaining two games at home as they welcome South Africa first and then the final match with Nigeria.