"Motivation to qualify for the World Cup will spur us on" - Paha

(By Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Nigeria, courtesy Ministry of Education, Science and Sports.)

Ovwien, Delta State, Nov 3, GNA - Isaac Paha, Coach of Ghana's Black Queens says the motivation to qualify for the Women's FIFA World Cup, billed for the Republic of China in 2007 will spur the team on to achieve the needed victory.

The two finalists at the ongoing African Women Championship (AWC) competition in Nigeria will auto matically qualify to represent the continent at the world fiesta.

Coach Paha told the GNA Sports in Ovwien that "for now, we are seeking qualification to the World Cup in China and the rest will follow".

The coach has often said the team has its sight on the trophy which the Super Falcons of Nigeria have won four times but told the GNA Sports that "the priority for now is to qualify than taking a go at the Cup". The Queens are scheduled to play the Democratic Republic of Congo in a last group game at Ughelli on Saturday and the coach said the emphasis will be to pluck all the three points at stake even though the team has already qualified to the semi final stage of the biannual event. Coach Paha said "to achieve our purpose, it means our winning every game and against DR Congo, we will enter the game with that purpose". The coach is keeping close to his chest those he will field for the match, even though speculations are rife that he may be tempted to give some of the players who are yet to taste action, a chance to get sharpened against the Congolese who are placed at the bottom of the table with a point.

He said his focus in the next few days will be to get the team ready for all events.

"I'm not actually looking at any team in particular because we will surely be ready for all that come our way".

The Queens will either play the Bayana Bayana of South Africa or the Super Falcons of Nigeria after the two clash in a grueling encounter today (Friday) to decide who tops group A.

They have both qualified for the semi finals with the Nigerians leading the group with a goal difference.