Accra, Nov. 12, GNA - Black Stars trainer Milovan Rajevac has admitted that all is not well with his team as far as the left-back position is concerned.
The left-back position, manned by Tunisian-based defender Harrison Afful, has come under a barrage of criticisms in recent times as most of the goals conceded by the Stars were usually from that position. The Stars lost their hundred percent record in the ongoing 2010 World Cup/Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a lone goal loss to Benin in October and the goal came from that position.
Milovan told GNA Sports on Thursday that the left back position had been his concern, especially in away matches.
"We are facing some difficulties with the left-back notably during the last away match against Benin. It is a serious concern and we are approaching it with the deserved attention."
With Harrison unavailable for this weekend's match against the Eagles of Mali due to injury, the coach has handed a surprise call-up to former Asante Kotoko defender Aziz Ansah, his first in three years. Ansah has been in eye-catching form for his Nigerian side Heartland FC, runners-up to T.P. Mazembe of DR Congo in the just ended Orange CAF Champions League.
Though not considered the best man for the position, Milovan wants to give him an opportunity and observe him.
"Ansah has been playing good with Heartland in the Orange CAF Champions League. He is here because I want to observe him."
With the latest development, the Serbian has not completely ruled out the chances of a return for his 'favourite' choice Afful to the team. "It does not mean that Afful is out of the team. He will be back but we will give others the chance as options," he said.
The Stars will also play the Palancas Negras of Angola in an international friendly on Wednesday, November 18 in Luanda, the Angolan capital.
The clash at the invitation of the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations hosts is to formally inaugurate the Stadio Cidadela, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies.