Black Stars off to Hanover to face Italy

(By Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondence in Wurzbug, Germany)

Wurzburg, June 12, GNA - Ghana's Black Stars left their base in Wurzburg for Hanover on Sunday hoping to shine when they cross swords with Italy in a Group E opener on Wednesday.

The team, which is making its debut at the FIFA World Cup comes up against the Azzuris who are favoured by the bookmakers.

But the Ghanaians are confident of recording a favourable outcome that would enable them to qualify out of the group which also houses Czech Republic and the United States of America.

Like skipper Stephen Appiah, who told the GNA Sports that the team would 91come good=92 to ensure their stay in the competition that spans a month, the entire team believes Monday=92s task is surmountable. Coach Ratomir Djukovic is aiming at the last four and reckons tomorrow's game marks the beginning of that dream.

Appiah believes the game would be an emotional one and when he leads his charges onto the field, his sole aim will not only be to disprove the pundits, but prove to the Azzirus trainer, Marcelo Lippi that 'I learnt a lot under him during my stay with him inItaly.' The international media has tagged the game as the biggest in the group which is often referred to as the 'group of death' and beginning on Monday, the Stars who have so far enjoyed a great media attention will be hoping to prove why many must watch-out for them.

Though coach Ratomir Djukovic is due to announce his first 11 later today, the GNA Sports is reliably informed that the Serbian would keep faith in the team that outclassed the South Koreans in their last build-up in Edinburgh earlier in the month.

Goolkeeper Richard Kingston seems the obvious choice in post, whilst Emmanuel Addoquaye Pappoe and John Painstil are expected to keep their places at the lateral defence.

Baring ay unforeseen circumstances, Samuel Osei Kuffour and John Mensah will handle affairs from the central rear, with Eric Addo playing the stoppage and distribution role just in front of the defence. Chelsea's midfielder, Micheal Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari, Appiah, Mathew Amoah and Asamoah Gyan complete the list. Kick off time is at 7pm Ghana time.