Congo game tops GFA list

March 09, 2011
Accra, March 9, GNA - The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says the Black Stars' Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo later this month ranks top of their priority list.

The Black Stars are billed to face England in an international friendly two days after the Brazzaville duel on March 27 and though the Wembley meeting seems to be enjoying much attention, the GFA insists the reverse is the case.

Fred Pappoe, vice-president of the GFA told GNA Sports the euphoria on the friendly game was a creation by characters apart from the Federation.

"We have made it clear from day one that the Congo qualifier is our top priority and the attention on the England game is a creation by some members of the media."

He said the GFA understands the importance of the qualifier Ghana must win to keep her hold on the campaign for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

"The Congo game is a competitive one and the England friendly is nothing more than it is. It could be compared to a friendly with any other team, Mauritius and the rest."

Pappoe told GNA Sports the players are aware of the crucial nature of the Brazzaville meeting insisting "they know the need to fare well in a competitive game and that only a win will mean they are home and dry. Similarly, they are aware that their output in that game will be dependant on who plays in the England friendly two days later."

The GFA Vice President said the team will camp in Nairobi, Kenya ahead of the qualifier and travel to Congo on the eve of the duel fixed for March 27.

Congo turned down Ghana's request to have the game played on the 26 with the hindsight of the England meeting two days on.

"We were hoping they could agree for the game to be played on Saturday but they refused so we will take off for the Wembley friendly immediately after the game on Sunday."

GNA