"Group A" trio search for qualification

Accra, Jan. 27, GNA - The search for places among the last eight of the Ghana 2008 African Cup Nations begins on Monday with "Group A", which has three teams contesting for the two slots available. Ghana, Morocco and Guinea are all contenders for the places in their respective matches billed for the Ohene Djan and Sekondi Stadiums. When Ghana's Black Stars settle down to business against Morocco, they would be preoccupied with one fact - that of at least earning a draw that could authenticate their place for the next phase of the competition they yearn to win for the fifth time.

While Ghana requires a draw, the Atlas Lions of Morocco go into the game requiring all the three points at stake to be sure of qualification even without their ace striker, Soufiane Alloudi. Both teams are perfectly aware of the stakes so an excruciating duel is envisaged.


The host has six points in two outings despite their struggling form and against the North African, who have proved tough in both games played so far, it is obvious coach Claude Le Roy and his charges would be hoping to find their scoring boots that have been elusive to the displeasure of their expectant home crowd.


Without doubt, Le Roy would be digging deep into his reservoir in search of a worthy replacement for Laryea Kingston, who has been sidelined by the fact that he has attracted two yellow cards in as many matches.


Without Kingston, the French Trainer still remains upbeat about beating the Moroccans with Sulley Ali Muntari; Asamoah Gyan; Michael Essien and Junior Agogo. All are expected to keep their starting places in the team that has been taken to the launder by the partisan home fans.

Against Guinea, Morocco appeared to miss the quality of Al-Ain striker Alloudi and the challenge for Henri Michel's team is how to make up for the loss of the hat-trick hero when they face Ghana's Black Stars who can still bet on their home support.


Most ears will undoubtedly be strained to listen to proceedings from the Sekondi venue for the outcome of the Guinea and Namibia duel that would be played at the same time.


Guinea, like Morocco requires a win against Namibia if they are to have any chance of continuing their dream at the biennial event and look favoured despite their opponents' brave showing that almost shocked Ghana last week.


Without their inspirational skipper, Pascal Feindounou, the Syli Nationale are expected to labour but would have enough depth in Ismael Bangoura, Mansare and Youla to get the results and goals for a place in the last eight.