It Is Not Over Yet For Ghana - Okpomo Harry Iwuala

Suddenly, Liberia's Lone Stars have turned out as the Super Eagles biggest obstacle on the road to a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

Ghana, considered as co-favourites with Nigeria seem to have lost that spot in the group after dropping a game at home to Liberia and away to Sudan.

But Patrick Okpomo, member of Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) technical committee cautions that Ghana still stands a good chance of making the finals in Korea and Japan.

"Ghana have lost some good opportunity but that is not to say it is over", said Okpomo.

"You look at Ghana and say they have played three games and lost two while Liberia has won nine points from three games out of four. Nigeria and Sudan have six points from three games and after this weekend, the next round begins. So, who says Liberia cannot lose its two away matches while Ghana recovers to win?"

Okpomo however agrees that the race has been made difficult for the Black Stars by their home loss to Liberia.

The one-time Secretary-General of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) said it would not surprise him if Ghana fights back especially with the match against Nigeria in Kumasi to save face.

"It would be wrong to assume that they have given up and so will lose to Nigeria. It could turn out to be a prestige battle for the Black Stars to get at par on points with Eagles and Sudan".

Delving into the mathematical configurations to buttress his arguments, Okpomo argues that though Liberia are leading with nine points, a win for Ghana against Nigeria will bring theirs to six and Sudan may also draw level with Liberia on nine points if they beat Sierra Leone. And with six points, Ghana would know that their only chance to remain in contention will be an away win which is possible against Sierra Leone. Meanwhile Nigeria will take their chance against Liberia in Lagos… it may come to a point where Liberia will be the target and therefore victory may not come as easy as it has come so far."

Okpomo insists that Ghana could still get it right in the match in Monrovia against Liberia. "The loss of Black Stars in Accra to Liberia was convincing but between February and April a lot of changes can happen.

He advises that Nigeria should try to beat Sudan in Khartoum, Sierra Leone in Freetown and Ghana in Kumasi. After that it does not matter what Liberia plays," Okpomo said.