“Ghana is Germany of African football” - Mali coach

Mali coach Patrice Carteron has tagged the Black Stars as the ‘Germany of African football’ due to the team’s style of play and hunger for success.

The Black Stars face Les Aigles in their Group B day two match at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Thursday, and Carteron is looking forward to their toughest test yet at the tournament in the Ghanaian team.

The 42-year old Frenchman told GNA Sports on Tuesday in Port Elizabeth: “Ghana is a complete team. They have a different style of play, good mentality and have experienced players too”.

Mali are the only team in the group with the maximum points, and despite giving up a two-goal lead in their opening game against DR Congo last Sunday, the Mali coach insists the Black Stars has depth in quality.

“For me Ghana is the Germany of African football. Their mentality and work rate in matches as well as their tactical abilities is comparable to that of the Germans.”

Carteron, a former player of Stade Rennais and Saint-Etienne hinged his observation on the words of former England striker, Gary Lineker who coined the famous quote: “'Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”

“That is what the current Ghanaian team are. They are just like the Germans,” said the Mali coach.

As much as he respects the Black Stars, the Frenchman is looking forward to the three points to ensure a smooth passage to the next round. “I respect the Ghana team, but we will try to get the three points,” Carteron concluded.

Mali were bronze winners at the previous tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, beating the Black Stars 2-0 in the playoff.