Ghana line up Jamaica friendly

Ghana will continue their preparation towards next year’s African Cup of Nations with a friendly against Jamaica next month.

The match will be played in London on 14 October at Brisbane Road, the home of English side Leyton Orient.

The game has been slated for a weekend to ensure that the Black Stars get maximum support from their fans in the United Kingdom and Europe.

It is expected to be the Black Stars’ last appearance in London before the country’s hosting of the 2008 African Cup of Nations.

Coach Claude Leroy will be boosted by the return of captain Stephen Appiah, who has been out of action for the past six months.

The Frenchman will also use the game to rebuild the confidence of the squad following their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Asian Cup finalists Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

“We were also surprised by the result against Saudi Arabia and the players have assured us that we will see the real Black Stars we know in the game against Jamaica,” Ghana FA vice president Fred Pappoe said.

“Something did not go well in our preparation towards the Saudi game and we want to assure Ghanaians that it has been corrected.

“We have the Nations Cup winning squad and we want the fans in London and elsewhere in Europe to see it at first hand before the Nations Cup.”

Ghana beat Jamaica 4-1 in their previous friendly in Leicester ahead of last year's World Cup in Germany

The match is an important test for Ghana, who have no competitive match until January 2008, when the country hosts the African Cup of Nations finals.

The Black Stars will use the game to thank the fans in London for their support for the past two years.

London has been used as the home of the national team since the country’s two international stadiums were closed down for construction work for the Nations Cup.