Keshi doubt Ghana's chances in Mali

Accra, May 21, GNA - Mali Coach, Stephen Keshi has cast doubts over

Ghana's survival in Bamako when the two sides clash in a crucial joint World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier on June 7. Ghana tops Group D on three points, two richer than the Eagles and Keshi insist Ghana's lead will be halted in the encounter seen to be a defining moment for both teams.

He told GNA Sports in a telephone interview from his Bamako base that "I respect Ghana, it is a great team. But I do not see how Ghanaians could get a draw here or let alone win the game.

"I just do not see how Mali could lose against Ghana here because I trust my players; they are ready to wet the shirt and die for the county." Coach Keshi similarly trust the depth in his team; "we have the quality, the means to win this match and trust we will do just that! We will prove our capabilities."

The Nigerian citizen is credited for qualifying Togo to the last World Cup in Germany in 2006 and yearns to be the first African coach to qualify two different countries to the Mundial.

The Eagles drew 1-1 with Sudan in Omdurman in the opener. Only the top placed team qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa while the next two automatically qualify for Angola 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.