[ 2016-11-12 ]

Sports Minister Advises Grant On Player Selection Against Egypt
The government official has added his voice to the
players the Israeli coach should line up against
the Pharaohs on Sunday.

Ghana's youth and sports minister, Hon. Nii Lantei
Vanderpuye has advised Black Stars coach Avram
Grant to hand midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu
and striker Majeed Waris a starting role in the
2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Egypt in
Alexandria on Sunday.

Ghana failed to defeat Uganda at home last month
in the opening group game, with Grant benching the
duo and opting for Afriyie Acquah and Asamoah Gyan
in midfield and attack respectively.

However, with Acquah still nursing a minor injury
and Gyan being ruled out of the game due to a knee
injury, the minister has given his solutions.

“Considering the style of play of the Egyptians,
we need players like Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and
Mubarak Wakaso to start. They can send in long
shots,” Vanderpuye told Asempa FM.

“Andre Ayew and Majeed Waris were not part of
the team that faced Uganda but they can torment
the defenders of the Egypt, considering their slow
build-up from the back when given the chance.
Waris can replace Gyan who is ruled out.

“Our defenders should keep their heads cool.
They should refrain from playing square passes at
the back because the Egyptians will come after us
with their speed, especially in the first 20
minutes of the game,” he added.

Asked if he would be in attendance at the Borg
El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, the minister said
his presence would not be necessary.

“I will not be in Egypt. I don’t believe my
presence is needed. It will be a waste of money
considering the financial burdens that confront
the ministry.

“And as such, there would not be any official
duties in Egypt. It’s better for me to stay in
Ghana so that we cut down expenditure and use it
for something else.

He added: “As I am talking, the national Beach
Soccer team are seeking funds for their upcoming
Africa Cup of Nations, so I would give that money
to them,” he added.


The Black Stars arrived in Alexandria on Friday
from their camping base in Dubai and will continue
their preparations on Saturday.

Source - Goal

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