Stars coach defends strategy

(From William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent in Luanda, Angola, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Luanda, Angola, Jan. 24, GNA - Head coach of Ghana's Black Stars, Milovan Rajevic has defended his decision to play a defensive game in a nerve-wracking quarter finals against host Angola that saw his side winning by a loan goal at the 11th November Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, the Coach said his decision to adopt that strategy was influenced by his knowledge of his opponents, saying "I watched them several times and decided to approach the game that way.

"I realized they are very good in the air and on the right side of defence. And they enjoy crossings from the flanks and attack all the time. "When your opponents attack a lot, they leave spaces at the back and that was what we capitalized on to score the only goal and it was good for us because it helped us to stick to our game plan throughout the 90 minutes. "We wanted to catch them on the break again in the course of the game to score the second goal but they defended well", Coach Rajevic said. According to the Coach, the early goal helped in the execution of the Team's game plan because it afforded them the opportunity to defend it, adding that his strategy worked to perfection.

The Coach said his players were also tactical on the day and played to his instructions and this also aided them in securing the victory over the Host Nation.

The Serbian Coach also explained that the absence of midfielders Michael Essien and Anthony Annan also affected his game plan for the competition.

"We would have played in a different way if the two had been available for the competition. You all know how they play and we missed them a lot." He stated.

Coach Rajevic was, however, quick to point out that it will not be the style of the Team for the rest of the competition but he would vary it based on the strength of his opponents.

Touching on either Zambia or Nigeria as his possible opponents, the Coach said he would have to take another look at the two teams and decide on how to approach any of them.

It will definitely not be an easy task but the boys are in a very competitive spirit and this will aid them to win the next game.

"We have two days to prepare for the next game on Thursday, and we will decide on how to handle the game. I'm confident we are on course to make a significant impact in the competition, he told GNA Sports. 24 Jan. 10