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Soccer News of Friday, 14 March 2008

Source: GNA

Coach Gamel spits fire in Abuja

By Veronica Commey, GNA Special correspondent in Abuja, courtesy, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports

Abuja, March 14, GNA - Ghana's Black Queens' coach, Munumi Gamel has initiated tough talk, spitting fire ahead of the crucial Beijing Olympic Games soccer qualifier against Nigeria's Super Falcon billed for the Abuja Stadium on Saturday.

The coach told the GNA Sports in Abuja on Friday, "we are beating Nigeria tomorrow."

He said he was well aware of the magnitude of the tie, which winner would qualifier to represent Africa at the Olympic Games in Beijing later in the year and was psyched up to give the hosts a game of their lives.

"I am convinced the Queens' mental and psychological toughness will overwhelm the Falcons, who have ruled Africa for several years." Ghana has won only twice against the five time African Champions, but coach Gamel believes the time to halt the Nigerian reign is now. "The kind of training we have put the team through, coupled with their will to succeed will ensure we stay on top throughout the game." The Queens are chasing a first appearance at the quadrennial event, while their hosts are seeking a third appearance at the Games in which they have always exited in the first round.

Ghana leads the three-team table with nine points, three more that the Falcons and requires just a draw to advance and answer the roll call in Beijing.

Coach Gamel said the team had rehearsed fine tactical formations that would provide the required results on Saturday. He said his charges were in a buoyant mood ahead of the game. Ghana won the first leg played in Accra last August by 1-0 but starts tomorrow's match as underdogs, based on the long time superiority the Falcons had established over the Queens.