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04.01.2010 Cup of Nations

Dujkovic tips injury-ravaged Ghana for Nations Cup success

By myjoyonline
Ratomir DujkovicRatomir Dujkovic
04.01.2010 LISTEN


Ghana's former coach Ratomir Dujkovic is confident that the injury-ravaged Black Stars will cause a 'major surprise' at next week's African Cup of Nations.

The Serbian was in charge of the West African country when they reached the second phase of the World Cup in Germany in 2006 at the first time of asking.

The Black Stars squad is currently being coached by his compatriot Milovan Rajevac who will lead the side to the continental tournament in Angola.

Ghana has been severely depleted by the absence of key players Stephen Appiah, John Mensah, John Paintsil and Sulley Muntari.

In the absence of the quartet, eight players from the country's U20 World Cup winning squad have been called which has raised doubts about them challenging for the title.

But Dujkovic says the Black Stars should fancy their chances for a fifth title.

"Any country which goes into a game with Ghana at the Nations Cup thinking they are made-up of green horns are hugely mistaken," Dujkovic told Ghanasoccernet from his base in Serbia.

"I am following the tournament closely and I think that Ghana will cause a major surprise at the tournament in Angola.

"The history of Rajevac in this country is that he takes potential youngsters and turn them into super stars.

"He has taken small teams in this country and made them big in European competitions and his record is there for all to see.

"You saw what he was able to do with the Black Stars who conceded no goal before they qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

"The young players he is taking to the Nations Cup are the future of Ghana football and don't be surprised if he puts the confidence in them to do big things.

"These young players are the U20 World champions and they also want to prove a point or two. They will cause problems for many countries."

Daniel Agyei, Samuel Inkoom, Jonathan Mensah, Agyemang Badu, Opoku Agyemang, Dede Ayew, Ransford Osei and Dominic Adiyiah were all part of the U20 World Cup winning squad.

Ghana are in a tough group at the Nations Cup where they face Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo.

Source: Ghanasoccernet.com





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