Le Roy rates Stars among CAN 2010 favourites

Accra, Dec. 3, GNA - Former Black Stars trainer, Claude Le Roy has tipped the Ghanaian team as one of the favourites at next year's Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010.

The Stars are housed in Group B alongside neighbours Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo for the January 10 to January 31 event and the Frenchman insist the team can go farthest at the tournament.

Le Roy, currently Head Coach of Oman in an interview with Algerian daily, Le buteur, cited by GNA Sports mentioned the Stars, Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire as favourites for the ultimate at the 27th edition of the continent's showpiece soccer event.

"There is Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon; a surprise could be from Algeria or Nigeria to a lesser degree." The 61-year old former Cameroon, Senegal and DR Congo coach who guided the Stars to a bronze feat at the last edition on home soil in 2008 said the winner lies within the five aforementioned teams. Le Roy added that there could be surprises from defending champions, Egypt and fellow North Africans, Tunisia, who both missed out narrowly on spots at the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

"There will be revenge for those who missed the World Cup like Egypt, Tunisia and Mali."

The veteran trainer also predicted that Zambia, currently handled by his close pal, Herve Renard, one-time Black Stars physical trainer during his reign, will surprise all at the tournament. "I also think Zambia is likely to surprise many in Angola as well as the Algerians too, in my opinion." The well-travelled Frenchman who will serve as an analyst for French Sports Channel, Orange Sports, during the three-week fiesta has no regrets for not being on the bench during the Orange Africa Cup of nations, Angola 2010.

Le Roy made appearances at four finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, 1992, 2006 and 2008 with Cameroon, Senegal, DR Congo and Ghana respectively.

"You know, I'm not the type who looks back. I'm the record holder for games at the Africa Cup of Nations. I left Ghana on my own volition after the CAN-2008 when they offered me a contract extension. For all these reasons, I do not think it will be difficult not to be on the bench in Angola."

However, he has not completely ruled out a return to an African side in the immediate future, putting substance to reports linking him to a Technical Advisory role with Nigeria's Super Eagles at next year's World Cup. "I have left Africa and returned several times, and it is likely that one day I may take on an African team again." Coach Le Roy is fondly remembered for guiding the Stars to the 14th spot on the FIFA rankings in February 2008, the highest ever in the history of the senior national team, the Black Stars. He was replaced by Serbian Milovan Rajevac after turning down a contract extension in May 2008. 03 Dec. 09