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Ghana vrs Egypt: ‘we respect Egypt, not fear them’ – Sports Minister

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Elvis Afriyie Ankrah
Elvis Afriyie Ankrah

The Minister of Youth and Sports is optimistic the Black Stars of Ghana will emerge winners when they clash with the Pharaohs of Egypt on Sunday October 13, 2013.

“We must respect Egypt but not fear them at all so the talk should be about preparing to beat them both home and away and not how to avoid them”, said Elvis Afriyie Ankrah in reaction to speculations by some sports commentators that Ghana may not carry the day.

During a draw on the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs on Monday, September 16 the Black Stars were paired against Egypt in what some have described as a tough call for Ghana.

The encounter is sure to be a cracker and a repetition of the finals of the 2010 AFCON.

But making reference to the 2-1 victory over Zambia in Kumasi, the Sports Minister said preparations will start immediately on all fronts to ensure that the level of support offered the Black Stars is not only repeated but notched up to maximum.

Ghana vrs Egypt: 'we respect Egypt, not fear them' - Sports Minister

The Black Stars

“The unity and love displayed by Ghanaians before, during and after the Zambia game was tremendous and the players are bent on reciprocating that support with World Cup qualification”, he noted.

He dismissed fears that the second leg in Cairo would be a huge advantage to the North Africans.

“Egypt should be worried about coming here to play and not the other way round. We have to believe in our team, the coach and the technical staff to deliver because we fear no foe”, the Minister said.

In other potentially explosive fixtures, Ivory Coast host Senegal in an all West African Franco-phone clash where the Elephants face the Lions. North African giants Tunisia will play comeback team Cameroon at home, whilst Burkina Faso host Algeria.

Perhaps the most intriguing fixture of the draw is the encounter between Ethiopia and Nigeria. On paper, it looks like a straight forward tie for the African Champions who travel to Addis Ababa on Saturday 12th October. However, the Ethiopians have shown a tenacity to mix it up with the big boys and would not be intimidated by the Super Eagles.

In the case of Ghana, there has been overwhelming lobbying for the crucial match to be played in Kumasi purely on the grounds that the city, the venue and total support accorded the Black Stars cannot be matched by any other venue.

However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has indicated that his outfit will confirm the venue of the home leg after the draw.

The Pharaohs of Egypt

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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