“It will be a nervous game” - Stevanovic

By Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Gabon, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports

Franceville, Gabon, Feb. 5,GNA – Coach of the Black Stars, Goran Stevanovic says Ghana's quarter finals meeting with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on Sunday will be that of nerves.

Ghana must win to draw close to the trophy, and the Serb promised to deliver after a three decade wait.

Stevanovic told GNA Sports in Franceville that “it will be a very nervous game. This is because everyone will want to go into the next stage and that will make it very nervous”.

He said his charges would walk into the game knowing their progress hangs on the results they would achieve insisting “we want to play competitively, win and send a message to everyone that we want to win the trophy”.

“We know every country here wants to win and we are one. It doesn't matter the opposition we will face. The Tunisian could be smarter than us on the day but the only thing on our mind is to win.

“All I can say to Ghanaians is to trust us and pray for us and we will deliver. This is a tough competition and we want to win it.”

Speaking about his personnel for the game, Stevanovic who refused to hint at the men for the battle said he would take responsibility for his selection and revealed he has unconditional belief in goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey who has been taking loads of criticism for some frailties exhibited during the group games.

“I am the Coach and I take responsibilities for my actions. What the fans and media see is different from what I see. Adam had conceded one goal in three matches, which is not bad. I believe in him unconditionally.”

He said Tunisia has a good team but insisted the Stars would be ready for the challenge they pose.

“We are very ready for the game. Even Anthony Annan is having a very tough time but he will be ready because he knows he is loved and so are all the boys.”

Ghana will meet Tunisia for a place in the semis at the Franceville Stadium on Sunday.