Sports News of Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Source: GFA

Mensah rallies Black Stars for Congo clash

Competition: 2012 African Nations Cup Qualifier

Teams: Ghana v Congo

Venue: Baba Yara Stadium - Kumasi

Date: June 3, 2011

Time: 17:00 GMT [5:00PM Local Time]

Ghana captain John Mensah says the squad is only concentrating on Friday's 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier against Congo and will not become preoccupied with the prospect of beginning their holidays after a long season with their club sides.

The Black Stars moved into residential camping on Sunday after starting the first phase of a non-residential arrangement last Thursday.

Despite beating the Congolese 3-0 on the road in March, the Black Stars captain explains that they would not underestimate their opponents.

Mensah says the team is determined to put in another fine performance as the qualifiers head into the final stages with Ghana, topping Group I with 7 points but with a better goal difference ahead of Sudan after three games in the qualifying campaign.

"It is true we did beat them at their own backyard but we are not going to be complacent.

"We are leaving no stone unturned in our preparation since winning this match will take us closer to our qualification to the 2012 African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea," the Black Stars captain told local radio station, Asempa FM in an interview.