Lions out to tackle hosts Ghana

الخميس، 07 فبراير 2008 - 13:41

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Ghana and Cameroon have always been deemed as two of Africa's high-profile teams, as both nations have four CAN titles to their records.

Apart from that, it will be a tactical warfare between two of the continent's most experienced coaches Claude LeRoy and Otto Pfister.

Ghana manager LeRoy led the Lions of Cameroon to their 1988 CAN title, while Cameroon's Pfister helped the Black Stars win second place in Senegal 1992.

Hosts Ghana are yet to lose a game so far this year and the fans' support at Ohene Djan Stadium has been driving the team throughout the competition.

On the other hand, Samuel Eto'o's Cameroon have bounced back emphatically since their opening match 4-2 defeat to Egypt.

Ghana

"There is a lot of expectation for us to do well. The same kind of thing that was there in the World Cup in Germany two years ago," said Ghana ace Sulley Muntari.

"It was a great win against Nigeria, but that's not our objective. Our aim is to win the title.

"But we're united as a group. We love each other very much, we respect each other and are dedicated to this tournament. We want to give our all to our nation.''

Team News: Ghana will miss captain John Mensah, who received a straight red card in the 2-1 win over Nigeria.

Despite the return of center-half Shilla Illiasu from injury, manager LeRoy could prefer to move star man Michael Essien into the heart of defense as he did against Nigeria.

Probable Line-up: Kingson- Essien, Addo, Sarpei, Pantsil- Kingston, Annan, Muntari, Quincy- Gyan, Agogo.

Cameroon

"I will tactically paralyze the Black Stars in Thursday's match," said manager Pfister.

"I have a track record in this tournament and my primary objective is to beat Ghana."

Team News: The Indomitable Lions have a fully fit squad led by the deadly Eto'o and in-form midfielder Stephane Mbia.

Probable Line-up: Kameni- Bikey, R.Song, Atouba, Binya- Geremi, Mbia, Emana, A.Song- Idrissou, Eto'o.

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