Soccer News of Tuesday, 1 January 2002
Source:
With three days to the start of the Dubai International tournament, Ghana is still uncertain of whether she will play in the competition. This is because the GFA is yet to receive word from the organisers of the tournament whether the game is coming on.
The FA says it has confirmed its interest to the United Arab Emirates Football Federation but were yet to hear from them as at yesterday.
Ghana was originally billed to play Belarus, U.A.E and world Cup semi finalist Turkey from January 5-7. Turkey has however pulled out claiming its status, as world cup semi finalist would take a battering if they play in the tournament, which they consider second rate.
Coach E.K Afranie is eager for Ghana to participate in the competition because he says the exposure would be good for his players
Caretaker coach, Emmanuel Kwesi Afranie is considering inviting some foreign-based players to add up to his local based squad for the tournament that will feature world cup semi finalist Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Belarus. Afranie hopes Stars captain Stephen Appiah would be available to lead the team.
The coach is also hoping to get the services of Sturm Graz striker Charles Amoah and Ghana’s most consistent striker in the German Bundesliga Lawrence Aidoo who is yet to be capped by the Black Stars despite some fine displays for Borussia Monchengladbach.
Ghana confirmed its participation Monday after intense deliberations between the organizers and the Ghana Football Association.