Test of character for Starlets

Lome, March 20, GNA - Ghana's Black Starlets walk into a crucial semi final game against host Togo on Tuesday, in a dual which will represent a test of their character.

The Ghanaians lost to the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on Saturday and will have to shake off the gloom that comes with such defeat to boldly face the Togolese who topped their group with six points. Togo, even though not an extra ordinary side will had to ride high on their massive home support which they needed crucially to beat Gabon last Friday to get to the semis.

The Starlets look favoured in the duel which they must win to keep their dream of annexing a treble in the history of the tourney on course.

With Coach Fred Osam Duodo expecting to field his regulars that notched two straight victories during the group stage, the Starlets are expected to fare a lot better than they did against the Nigerians. The players are buoyed about the task of defeating the host who are said to have pitched into a secret camp in their quest to prepare for the Starlets.

A lot more will sure depend on such tested players like Ishmael Yartey, Ransford Osei and Paul Addo among others to carry the team through.

Both teams have been tightlipped about their chances except for their respective supporters who are claiming victory against each other. The Starlets obviously lacked shine against the Eaglets, something that can spell doom for them if they do not change their game plan against the debutants.

Much will also depend on how the Ghanaians can be able to handle and withstand the numerous home fans that will throng the Kegue arena in support of their team.

The Togolese are expected to throw open the gates for the fans in an apparent conviction of the crucial support they expect to get a convincing result.

Coach Duodo is on the verge of making history as the only trainer to have won the championship twice and with different countries if the Starlets emerge champions and would therefore not afford to let Tuesday's duel slip through his hands.