Queens wrap up preparation in Germany

(From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Hanover, Germany}

Hanover, Oct. 28, GNA ~ Ghana's Black Queens have wrapped up their preparations in Germany four days ahead of their 7th African Women Championship group opener against Algeria in South Africa. The Ghanaians walk into their seventh appearance at the continental gathering a super fit side ready for action.

To score five goals in two friendly games in "freezing" Germany weather must be impressive, however, it is the team's physical presence that takes them to South Africa as one of the teams to watch. Ranked the best in Group B that houses defending Champions, Equatorial Guinea, Algeria and Cameroon in the two week fiesta that qualifies the two finalist to the next FIFA World Cup billed for Germany in 2011, the Queens have maintained a respectable measure of fitness that influence a believe in their capabilities for the ultimate. Ghana ranked second in Africa and 43rd in the world, travel to South Africa not only as perennial tournament favourites but also as a team whose technique and technical abilities have seen some improvements by the handlers.

The Queens squeezed two unanswered goals passed brave hearts, BV-Coppenburg, a German Liga two side that presented a not so strong challenge but the manner in which they disposed off the opposition from FFC, Gutersloft another Liga two side four days earlier on is one that naturally will raise the team's confidence.

The striking partners who obviously will have a starting role, Diana Ankomah and Agnes Aduako have four goals between them in the two friendlies and to see gifted former Captain, Adjoa Bayor score in her first game for the team in almost two years absence understandably soars the team's belief.

The team which is scheduled to arrive in Accra on Friday before taken off to the tourney on Saturday, wrapped up preparations on Thursday with a copa test that was to test the speed, endurance and fitness of all 25 players awaiting to officially be told their fate regarding their involvement in the South Africa campaign.

Competition remained intense during the copa test as the players gave their best shot in search of slots in the official 21-member team that will attempt to pick the trophy Ghana has laboured to lay a finger on at six attempts.