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Soccer News of Saturday, 8 September 2001

Source: BBC Sports

Abedi Reveals Ghana plans

Ghana's greatest ever footballer, Abedi Ayew Pele, has been revealing his country's latest preparation plans for the cup of nations.

The former captain of the Black Stars, who was just a teenager when he helped Ghana lift the trophy for a then record fourth time in Libya in 1982, is here to participate in Saturday's draw.

Now a senior figure in Ghana's FA, he has been holding talks with a number of officials from other African football associations and says six or seven friendlies would be ideal preparation.

"I met the President of the Zambian federation and they would like to play a game, maybe on a home and away basis with us", he said.

"Egypt has confirmed a friendly and the Zambians will be writing to us so that the GFA board can confirm dates".

The final phase in the Black Stars preparations will be in the country that sits between Ghana and Mali - Burkina Faso.

"We believe that two weeks in Burkina will acclimatize us to the weather will will face in Mali".

As for the draw itself, Abedi said Ghana is prepared for anyone.

"You can not win the cup without playing the strong teams, so we don't mind who we face. The most important thing is that we show everyone that we are ready and we are coming".