The senior national team, the Black Stars' chances of qualifying for the Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup may look very bleak, but the four time Africa Champions are determine to make amends by at least, qualifying for the Mali 2002.
Sunday's test against the Warriors of Zimbabwe therefore, is a determining factor to achieving that dream.
The last time the two sides met, the Stars, with mostly foreign-based players, thrashed their opponents who then paraded a chunk of the boys from the local teams 4-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
On Sunday, however, the scenario is going to be different. While the Stars would feature a predominantly local side, with only Baffour Gyan of Czec club Slovan Lebrek and Granini Adu Gyamfi of Spainish side Athletico Madrid, the Warriors have assembled 12 foreign-based players in readiness to avenge that painful defeat.
The Stars top the four-nation group, which includes, DR Congo and Lesotho with seven points, a point more than the Warriors.
The Zimbabweans who have never qualified for the continents' elitist Soccer fiesta, have vowed to rewrite the soccer history of their country by booking a ticket for Mali come 2002. The have even gone on the airwaves to promise their countrymen a victory over the Stars.
The entire nation went gay when the Ghanaian contingents arrived, without well-known faces like skipper Charles Akunnor and European cup winning player, Samuel Osei Kuffour. Their sentiment was epitomised by team skipper and inspirer, Peter Ndhlovu of English club Shefield Wednesday when he exploded with joy at seeing the side, describing them as "babies."
The Warriors have promised to whack the Stars by at least four goals to nothing.
"With these small, small boys, I don't think we even have to consult Nyanga (juju) for this match, victory is certainly going to be ours", an immigration officer told the GNA.
"We have men like Peter, Kennedy Chitiuri of Viktoria Zizkov of the Czec Republic, Norman Mapenza of S.V Reid Austria among others who will discipline your boys on Sunday," he added.
Ace Striker, Nana Frimpong was however confident of a win on Sunday, but said that it will dependent on Egyptian referee Ahmed Auda. The referee, would be assisted on the lines, by Wagih Ahmed and Salah Elberry, all of Egypt.
Skipper Jacob Nettey said if his colleagues could exhibit half of what they showcased in their world cup qualifier against the Eagles of Nigeria, victory will be theirs.
However, Coach Osam Duodo and his deputy Francis Oti Akenteng were cautious in their predictions. They said their worry is how the boys would acclimatise to the chilly weather in Harare before the match. Already, Kofi Princeston Owusu Ansah has been greatly hit by the weather and team doctor Fudjour has been working very hard on him.
Two other players, first choice goalkeeper Sammy Adjei and midfielder, Godwin Ablordey could not make the trip because of injuries they sustained at the training.
Coach Duodo however said this would not affect the performance of the team, adding that he has a good bench.
Mr J. Mbegwe, a Zimbabwean soccer analyst told the GNA that the stars have an advantage over his countrymen because, the Ghanaian locals who are yet to make names in the international scene are likely 'to die a little' more than the foreign-based Warriors.
Possible line up for the Stars: James Nanor, Amankwa Mireku, Jacob Nettey, George Essilfie, Kofi Amoako, Princeston Owusu Ansah, Lawrence Adjei, Joe Ansah, Baffour Gyan, Nana Frimpong and Charles Taylor.
