21 May 2015 09:45
Ghana’s Black Queens will be confronted with yet another attempt at qualifying for their maiden Olympic Games when they face their counterparts in Egypt, at the second round of continental qualifiers in Cairo on Saturday.
The Black Queens per pedigree should start as favourites, but while coach Yusif Basigie insists there are no longer clear cut favourites in the game, he says his side will take no prisoners.
He told Cafonline.com that “you cannot underestimate any team these days. If for nothing at all, we remember how Algeria beat us during the last African Women’s Championship (AWC) in Namibia.
“We are very mindful of how the North Africans play; their system, approach and how teams prepare very well when coming to face us. We will take no prisoners.”
The Ghanaians will be without two of their key players; forward Samira Sulemana and defender Linda Eshun who are seeking greener pastures in Iceland. Though Bassigi admits their inclusion in the squad would have made a difference, he says crying over spilt milk is unnecessary.
“Samira (Sulemana) and Linda (Eshun) have travelled to Iceland to play. Initially, it was hard for us because they were completely part of our plans. Both players were starters and at their peak presently.
“But we have prepared Faiza Ibrahim very well the last few days to continue from where Samira left off. Linda was ahead of Rosemary Ampem in central defence, but the latter has lifted her game since and is a worthy replacement.”
He described the Queens’ chances ahead of Saturday’s duel as bright.
“Our chances are bright. We have a big insight of our opponents and we have prepared very well. The Queens have never played in the Olympic Games and we want to make our way into the record books. Beyond that we are deeply motivated to break our jinx at the Olympic Games qualifiers and do well.”
The return will take place next weekend in Accra with the winner over the two legs facing either Guinea Bissau or Cameroon at the third round of the qualifiers.
Two teams will qualify to represent Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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