Atlas Lions hoping to upset favorites Ghana

الإثنين، 28 يناير 2008 - 12:04

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Michel could be facing the axe

Ghana, Morocco and Guinea are up for two quarter-finals places as minnows Namibia almost have no chance of seeing the second round.

Hosts Ghana have a 100% record and are firm favorites when they entertain Morocco, who will likely vie with Guinea for a second place.

The Syli Nationale have an easy task against Namibia, but the goal margin could be crucial for them.

Ghana vs. Morocco

Ghana

The Black Stars just need a draw to secure a top spot, but they will be looking for a win in order to relieve the unconvinced supporters.

"I've got a lot of respect for Morocco, but they're under pressure, we're not," said manager Claude LeRoy.

Team News: Midfielder Laryea Kingston is suspended after picking up his second caution against Namibia. Andre Ayew is poised to take his place.

The Ghana camp was rocked by news that the Gyan brothers are walking off in protest over criticism by local media after the 1-0 win over Namibia.

However, the duo were convinced to stay and Asamoah Gyan could keep his place beside Junior Agogo upfront.

Probable Line-up: Kingston- Pantsil, Sarpei, Mensah, Addo- Essien, Quincy, Ayew, Muntari- A.Gyan, Agogo.

Morocco

Frenchman Henri Michel is under severe pressure to beat the hosts, a draw is unlikely to get the Atlas Lions any benefit, as Guinea will face outsiders Namibia in Sekondi.

The Morocco coach was blasted by local media after the Guinea defeat for making too many changes to the side that thrashed Namibia 5-1 in the opening game.

"The question's simple, the answer difficult - we have to beat Ghana, in Ghana, if we're to continue our journey otherwise we'll be going home," Michel said.

Team News: Morocco top scorer Soufiane Alloudi is still recovering from a knee injury, and his availability is extremely uncertain.

Probable Line-up: Fouhami- Erbati, Ouaddou, Kaddouri, Basser- Kissi, Safri, Sektioui, Hadji- Aboucherrouane, Chamakh.

Guinea vs. Namibia

Guinea

A win would be enough to take Guinea to the quarters after their impressive 3-2 victory over Morocco last week.

"After our defeat to Ghana, I yearned for a reaction on the technical, physical and mental front, which I got. I am pleased, but the job is not finished,'' coach Robert Nouzaret.

Team News: Guinea suffered a huge blow when inspirational captain Pascal Feindouno saw red against Morocco. The French-based star will be absent for two games.

Probable Line-up: K.Camara- Balde, Kalabane, I.Camara, Jabi- Sylla, Cisse, Sacko, Mansare- Bangoura, Youla.

Namibia

Despite Arie Schans' ambitions, three points are unlikely to be enough for his side, who has zero points and minus five goal difference.

However, the Dutchman wants to make history and record a first ever win for the Brave Warriors.

"We were nervous in our first game, we played well in our second - now we need a win," Namibia coach Schans said.

Team News: Namibia have no injury concerns.

Probable Line-up: Mbaha- Gariseb, Pienaar, Toromba, Ngatjizeko- Plaatjies, Benjamin, Risser, Jacobs, Brendell- Bester.

التعليقات