"Fasting affected my players" - Sudan coach

Accra, Sept. 6, GNA - Stephen Constantine, Head coach of Sudan has partly blamed his side's loss to the Black Stars to the fasting of most of his players.

Ghana became the first African country to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after they beat the Desert Hawks of Sudan 2-0 on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

"About 18 of my players were fasting and it really affected our play. The Ghanaians appeared stronger than my players" Constantine told were outplayed by their hosts because of the 'huge gap' between the two teams.

"All my players are local based and not very much exposed. Ghana has about 18 foreign-based players and the experience shone on the day. "Our team is a young one with an average age of 23 years. We hope to win our remaining games to at least qualify for the Angola 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

The Englishman added that their main target is to beat Mali in Omdurman to remain on their course. Benin held Mali to a 1-1 draw in another Group D clash in Cotonou on Sunday.

The Black Stars lead the pack on 12 points, Mali has five points, Benin on four points with Sudan at the bottom with just a point. 06 Sept 09