Black Stars In Danger

GFA chairman, Ben Koufie, would have to decide whether or not to gamble with a delay in the release of the final squad of the senior national team, the Black Stars for the African Cup of Nations. Why Mr. Koufie and not coach Fred Osam Duodo?

The fact is Uncle Ben has had a good look at the provisional Black Stars squad over the past few weeks and an even closer look at performances against Spain in Bilboa and Egypt in Cairo.

If the coach decides to wait until the last possible moment for the “dream team” the final squad may not be announced officially until Saturday, January 12, 2001.

The penalty of a three thousand-dollars-fee by CAF might even seem a worthwhile gamble for coach Fred Osam Duodo; but he will need total backing and the endorsement of the GFA chief. The GFA may have few options open to it other than to delay their communiqu? to the confederation of African Football in Cairo Egypt.

The official deadline for the submission of all 16 nations team lists is tomorrow Wednesday 9 January, but Ghana is likely to send a provisional list before the deadline. WEAK STRIKEFORCE. The Black Stars may miss the services of a fully fit Charles Amoah because the experienced marksman is struggling with a toe injury, which is only beginning to heal. Even with a sound toe, Charles Amoah is not match fit and has missed all the Black Stars trial matches to date. The most improved forward liner in the Black Star line-up is Baffour Gyan.

The former Liberty Professionals’ goalpoacher gave his teammates a fright when he was stretchered off the field in Ismalia, Egypt after only 18 minutes in a terrible state. His condition looked appalling because he lay motionless as if he had broken a joint and had to be strapped in a brace. His full fitness will not be known until the Black Stars team doctor examines him again today.

Ishmael Addo should be an automatic choice for coach Fred Osam Duodo only madness or a terrible injury can deny the youngster his first African Cup of Nations adventure. In the domestic League, on the continental club scene and at Winneba, has attitude and output have always been constant.

Alex Tachi Mensah has all the power and speed of a typical center forward plus he is very direct in his approach to goal. But unfortunately the Xamas Neuchatal striker has not found the net in any of the Black Stars trial matches to date. He has said Mali 2002 will be his big chance to prove himself and not even the tragic death of his elder brother last week will distract him from helping the Stars make history in Mali.

Michael Essien and Derick Boateng are not strikers but the two might be given extra responsibilities to grab goals as well as creating them. For me, if ever there were automatic choices, these two YOUNG players should be on top of coach Osam Duodo’s list. Emmanuel Osei Kuffour is another player who is relishing the opportunity ahead whether he is pitched up-front, in the middle or at the back in defence few can feel his commitment and ability.

Isaac Boakye of Goldfields is an excellent prospect and coach Fred Osam Duodo is well aware of this fact but will he be picked because of what he can do or because another striker is injured? We are closely observing. Issa Mohamed is another fine player from the Hasaacas frontier as his Goldfields colleague Nana Arhin Duah but again, they may be dropped for convenience.