Fred Crenstil Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has
said the Black Stars will not be complacent in their next game against
Niger, though Niger is seen as a relatively weaker side as compared
other teams in the group.
Niger occupies the bottom of the table with two points and Ghana will
need at least a draw to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Speaking to the GNA Sports, Crenstil said Niger is not a cheap side as
people are speculating and their performance last Thursday against DR
Congo was an indication of the fact that they are a very strong side.
“It is just unfortunate they are at the bottom of Group B, but I can
assure you they are very good side and one will underrate them of at
your own peril. They are not pushovers as people will want us to
believe”. He stated.
According to the GFA Vice President, the performance of the team in the
last two games, was not to expectation and the last game will provide
them with the opportunity to perform at the maximum level.
“We know our team and we believe they can do better than what they have
done in the last two games and the game against Niger will see much
better performance from the team.
“We have to remain at Port Elizabeth so we must win the game to top the
group to avoid embarking on a journey to another town for the quarter
final match.” He told the GNA Sports.
He noted that though Ghana has four points and in a good position to
advance to the next stage of the competition, winning the next game
remains a priority.
He added that “Mali could top the group if they win the next game so we
are motivated to go all out to secure the three maximum points at stake
to realize our dreams of winning the group and remain at Port
Elizabeth”.
Crenstil, said the players are much aware of the stakes in the game
against Niger and are poised to clinch the three points at stake on
Monday.
Ghana will play Niger in the last Group B game at the Nations Cup, as
they continue their campaign to end the 31 year old drought, since
winning the cup.