Stars to begin first step towards new adventure

Accra, March 19, GNA- Ghana's coach, Claude Le Roy says the Black Stars would begin their first step for new adventure when they line up against Mexico in next week's international friendly in London. The Stars are billed to play Mexico in their first game after grabbing bronze at the African Cup of Nations last month in an encounter the manager rates as a crucial step towards the team's future aspirations.

Ghana has the hope of winning the next Nations Cup in Angola 2010 and carry Africa's World Cup semi finals ambition in South Africa the same year.

The coach told GNA Sports that playing against a resilient Mexican side is a brilliant start to an envisaged tedious journey ahead of the team.

Le Roy who returned from holidays in France on Tuesday after the biennial event, believes the North Americans would provide the exact and needed test required to qualify for both competitions in 2010. He told GNA Sports his charges consider the duel as a test of character and not the usual friendly nature that surrounds such meetings.

"There is no longer a term as friendly in our dictionary. We consider every game very important and if you know Mexico's worth and strength, then you would not want to say it is just another friendly game."

Coach Le Roy said the Black Stars would fight for a fine result aimed at stabilizing their FIFA ranking.

Ghana is ranked 15th in the world and the best in Africa. Le Roy would give three local players, Eric Bekoe, Prince Buaben and Richard Manu their debut at the Craven Cottage in a manner he says is to give dimension to the team that would be without some regulars including Asamoah Gyan upfront.

"It is always important to give new players a chance to prove to all that the door is always open but the ideal way is not to change the team entirely.

"It is only in such games that the levels of new players' can be checked and tried for future assignments." Ghana will start its joint African and World Cup qualifiers on June 3 against Libya at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi.