You are here: HomeSportsSoccer2008 09 01Article 149343

Soccer News of Monday, 1 September 2008

Source: GNA

'Milo' to scrutinize Appiah's match fitness

Accra, Sept 1, GNA - The inclusion of Ghana Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah in the team's line-up for Friday's clash against Libya will be subject to his output at training.

Appiah, currently club-less has not been active since November 2007 but was named in the Stars 22-man squad for the crucial game and coach Milovan "Milo" Rajevac told GNA Sports his performance will have to be critically examined.

"He has not played for a long time and I will have to assess him at training before taking a decision.

"His inclusion will largely also depend on the tactics and techniques the team adopts."

'Milo' described Appiah's presence in the team as positive and will serve a big moral boost to their chances.

"He is the leader of the team and his presence alone is great," Milo said through his interpreter Nenad Glisic 'Nasha'.

The Serbian reckons a tough outing against the "Greens" of Libya but remains optimistic about his team's chances in the must-win encounter.

"It is the last chance for Libya who will want to do everything to snatch victory. They will also have the fans solidly behind them.

"The result is however very important to our progress to the next round."

The Stars and the Greens share top spot of Group Five on nine points each and a victory for any of them will inch them closer to the second round of the qualifiers.

The Stars spanked the Libyans 3-0 in the group opener at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi last June.