Stevanovic surprised by Swaziland’s performance

Accra, Sept 3, GNA – Coach Goran Stevanovic says he was surprised by the performance of Swaziland despite Black Stars 2-0 win over the Southern Africans in a crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

The Black Stars Coach told GNA Sports after the unconvincing win of the Stars that, “Swaziland really surprised me; you know. They changed the team a lot and they played much better than when they hosted us.’

“They changed the team a lot with many new players and today, they gave us a good run for our money in a manner we didn’t expect.

‘They chased every ball and had about ten men behind every move we made. Though the technique was not there, it is obvious they have a good future.’

A goal in each half by Asamoah Gyan and Emmanuel Agyeman Badu wrapped up a difficult game for the Stars who needed to win convincingly to keep their hold in Group I.

Coach Stevanovic was, however, satisfied with the performance of his charges even though he reckons they could have done better on a day Prince Tagoe led a comedy of errors upfront.

“I am satisfied with the performance of the team though they wasted a lot of chances. Our goalkeeper too is very good though he was not really tested.’

Ghana defeated Swaziland 3-0 in the first fixture on their home grounds and the Ghanaian supporters were justifiably expectant ahead of the Accra meeting which the Stars were tipped to win heavily.

The Stars now travel to Khartoum in October in the final qualifier in search of at least a draw to seal qualification to the Gabon and Equatorial Guinea competition next year.