Mission To Mali: Do we dare hope?

For the first time since 2005, Ghana's Black Stars look set to play in a competitive match without any member of the fabulous midfield quartet that was the bedrock for Ghana's successful run in qualifying for the World Cup in Germany three years ago. To make matters worse, the game is a crucial World Cup qualifier against Mali this weekend, and if there was ever a time for Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac to earn his money, the time is now!

Let's examine the facts, shall we? Laryea Kingston is out injured and has a slim chance of making the Sudan game on June 20 in Omdurman; Michael Essien is slowly finding out that hell hath no fury like a lover dumped, and has to come through a court case that might not leave him in the right frame of mind for Bamako; Captain Stephen Appiah says 'certain family problems' will keep him out of the game and Sulley Muntari seems to have been unsettled after a robbery attack on him after he lifted the scudetto over the weekend.

So the big question is who fills the boots of these guys, who between them have scored 45 goals for Ghana? Is this mission impossible? Is this indeed why Rajevac believes a draw will be a great result and a win incredible, to quote the All Sports newspaper?

I might sound extremely controversial here, but I am convinced that this might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. For too long we have over relied on not only the the 'fantastic four', but the likes of defender John Mensah, striker Asamoah Gyan and goalie Richard Kingston so much so that any injuries to these players prompts a panic attack among soccer mad Ghana fans. Perhaps the time for blooding fringe players is now! Player who have waited for this chance for so long will give it their all, especially with World Cup qualification at stake, not to mention the small matter of $5000 per player if Ghana secures a point and $10,000 per player if Ghana wins.

I was delighted to see George Owu in goal against Uganda. The former Asante Kotoko and Ashgold goalie has always been available when needed (who can forget his heroics against South Africa in late 2005?) and what is even more heartening is that Kingston has had a run of games with Wigan towards the end of the European season, so it would appear that as far as goalkeeping is concerned, Ghana is truly covered (I almost forgot talented Hearts of Oak keeper Philemon Macarthy).

John Paintsil has without doubt been Ghana's best and most consistent player over the last year and his maturity showed when he skippered the side for the first time against Uganda the other night. He is a certain starter in Bamako.

Harrison Afful's return to Asante Kotoko has benefited him greatly and he looks odds on favorite to play left back against Mali. Both Afful and Paintsil have excellent cover in Basel-bound wing back Samuel Inkoom, who is fast becoming a utility player of sorts with the Black Stars.

To be totally honest and frank, we have a major problem in central defence and Rajevac still has to find the right combination. John Mensah has suffered injuries so many times this season, he is probably more familiar with the architectural design of his hospital in France than Lyon's football pitch. He has thus lost a lot of pace and probably needs a quick partner, but again given that he is just returning from injury, will he be match-fit, especially as he faces one of Africa's dealiest forwards, Fredi Kanoute?

Eric Addo has never been blessed with pace, and a lack of playing time with Roda JC will have blunted his sharpness further. Will Rajevac risk pairing the two men together at the back or perhaps drop one of them, or indeed both?

Jonathan Quartey is mobile, but his shaky performance against Uganda exposed his lack of playing time at Kaiser Chiefs. He is however in with a chance of starting for the Black Stars, as does Isaac Vorsah, who has had a good season with Hoffenheim in Germany. Jonathan Mensah's inexperience clearly showed against the Cranes and at best, the young defender might make the bench.

It is in midfield where, with the absence of the heavyweights, the biggest questions will be asked. Anthony Annan will probably be a shoo in for the holding role, with the likes of returnee Yusif Chibsah at his side. There appears to be competition on either flank, with Kwadwo Asamoah and Haminu Draman battling for a place on the left, with the two Samuels, Kyere and Inkoom fighting it out for a right wing slot.

Ghana seems to have adequate cover in Prince Buaben, Bernard Yao Kumordji and Daniel Yeboah who may make it into the team, should Rajevac decide to play 5 men across the middle.

With what was seen of debutants Papa Arko and Opoku Agyemang upfront, it looks like Ghana might have adequate firepower upfront, of course with seasoned campaigners Junior Agogo and Joe Tex Frimpong as well as Prince Tagoe. Indeed Agogo and Tagoe formed a lethal parnership during the preliminary rounds, and with Opoku Agyemang's tremendous upper body strength and Arko's guile, Ghana could very well spring a surprise.

Just to remind ourselves, when Liberia had an outside chance of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, they lost at home to a Ghana team made up of virtually unknown players. And this was the same George Weah led team that demolished a star-studded Ghana side 3-1 in Accra. Or further back, a Black Stars squad that ex-President Limann even wanted to withdraw from the 1982 African Nations Cup in Libya because he felt Ghana had no chance. Former President Rawlings took a different stance and the rest is history. Don't forget that the current assistant coach Kwesi Appiah and former legend Abedi Pele made their debuts in a 1982 qualifier away to Zaire and won 2-1 when indeed there was little hope because one of Africa's finest players at the time, Adolf Armah was injured.

Fortune indeed favours the brave and Rajevac just has to instill confidence in his troops that nothing is impossible and even though it will be a very difficult match, perhaps the stage has been set for a fringe player to become a hero.

Yes, we dare to dream and dare to hope.........

Fortune favours the brave