Ghana must go today – Stephen Keshi

Nigeria and Ghana have a long history of rivalry,
particularly when it comes to football. From the days of Independence Games in the early
1960s when the two countries were pitched against
each other in the annual event to the modern times,
every match involving them is sold out. When the Black Stars of Ghana defeated DR Congo
1-0, a day after the Super Eagle  shocked the Atlas
Lions of Morocco 4-3 in the most dramatic fashion,
most watchers of the game, here in South Africa
agreed that CHAN would witness yet another thriller
because by their victories over their foes, the two West African giants will cross paths to get to the
final. The semi final fixtures which comes up today in
Bloemfontein, South Africa has attracted a lot of
interest from the locals here who are still not pleased
with the Bafana Bafana whose exit from the
tournament was masterminded by the Super Eagles. Coach Stephen Keshi has not allowed the landmark
victory over Morocco to get into his players heads. ‘’I
have told them to remain focused. The victory over
Morocco is now history and we still have about 180
minutes to the trophy, so we cannot afford to believe
that the task is over,’’ Keshi said. He has no serious injury worries in camp and with the
expected return of Solomon Kwambe, who served a
one match suspension as a result of a red card and
Benjamin Francis who has regained fitness after a lay
off that was occasioned by an injury he sustained
during the opening match against Mali, Coach Keshi has maintained faith in his winning squad. Captain Chigozie Agbim will man the post, Azubuike
Egwuekwe will lead the defence quartet of Erhun
Obanor, Kumle Odunlami and Brigh Eseme. In the midfield Abdullahin Shehu, Rabiu Ali and
Ugonna Uzochukwu will hold sway while Ejike
Uzoenyi will lead the attack line likely to also feature
Barnabas Imenga or Gbolahan Salami (if he is fit) and
highly mobile Ifeanyi Ede.