Congo won’t come cheap – Maxwell Konadu

Local Black Stars head coach Maxwell Konadu has admitted his side faces a tough challenge in their 2014 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) quarterfinal game on Sunday against DR Congo.

Their meeting on Sunday in the last eight will be a repeat of their clash in the final of the maiden tournament in 2009 which DR Congo won 2-0.

Konadu, who will welcome back his talisman Yahaya Mohammed from suspension, insists the Congolese will be a tough customer for his charges after their hard fought win against Burundi.

“I watched their game on Wednesday and the players were tactically disciplined. Most of their players are known as compared to the Black Stars team, because they were here (South Africa) during the African Nations Cup last year. They have a very good and young squad that can run at players on any given time, so we have to be careful with the way they play.”

The coach spoke of his joy at Ghana’s qualification for the last eight, adding that the competition has shown that no team can be underrated.

“It was a joy for us when we booked a place in the quarter finals because it didn’t come cheap. This tournament is very difficult and if you underrate any team, they will shock you. We have a very formidable and resolute side, and one thing I’m pleased is that our team keeps improving match after match. We will have to give our all on Sunday. We have some days to train and recover well and I’m hopeful this team can advance to the semi finals of this tournament.”

Konadu is delighted to welcome back his talisman Yahaya Mohammed who missed the Ethiopian game because of suspension.

“It is always good to see your best players playing, and Yahaya is not an exception. He has worked hard for this and he deserve all the praises from his colleagues and even the media. Yahaya will be key for us in this game, and he has to be tactically disciplined. We know that all eyes are on him but if he keeps his focus and composure very well, he can make the difference for the team. We have 11 players, and we will need all of them to put in their best when we meet a very strong side like DR Congo.”