Black Stars manager CK Akonnor- ‘Mali are a strong side and they would be a good test for us’
Ghana coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has praised Mali as Ghana face the West Africa side in International friendly clash early next month in Turkey.
Akonnor was up in front of the media team of the Ghana Football Association on Friday, September 25 when he announced his squad for next month’s trip to Antalya, Turkey to face the Eagles.
The Ghana boss in his talk reveals Mali would be tough opponents for Black Stars and ‘a strong side for his team.
“Mali is a strong side, we have seen a couple of matches that they played in the AFCON, a very strong force and it is a very good test for us.
The former Black Stars captain was named replacement for Kwesi Appiah in February this year after the later failed to land Ghana the AFCON title that have eluded the West African country for more than 30 year.
Akonnor is yet to guide the Black Stars in any official game and was on the verge of making his debut as Ghana coach against Sudan in AFCON qualifiers in March before covid-19 brought cancellation on the tie against the North Africans.
Akonnor now has few day ahead to guide Ghana for the first time since his appointment and against a team he has already described ‘a strong side’.
Despite Mali’s opposing dangers they may present to Akonnor in his first charge at Black Stars, the former Asante Kotoko boss has set sight on winning the game.
“We want to go there and try as much as possible to do our best and of course win that match.
Ghana have beaten Mali 11 times at all levels of competitions whiles Mali have won 5 games with 7 outings ending in draw.
Ghana saw their first five games against their next month’s opponents ending unbeaten for Black Stars between 1960 and 1974. The first four games were all friendlies with Ghana scoring three or more goals with the exception of the clash in 1962 that ended in 0-0.
In the fifth encounter, Black Stars white-washed Mali 4-0 in African Cup of Nations tournament in December 1974 before the Eagle whipped Ghana 3-1 in the sixth clash between the two sides in April 1975.
Meanwhile, Akonnor shared his thought on John Antwi, a player he unearth during his charge at then Ghana Premier League outfit Sekondi Eleven Wise now relegated to second tier football.
The 46-year believes the Pyramids striker deserves a Black Stars call up after initially overlooking Antwi in his first call up ahead of Sudan double header that was cancelled.
“John Antwi, Odartey and I unearthed him at Eleven Wise and since then, he has done well for himself”, Akonnor said.
“The last time we had the call-Ups, he was not part of the team because I was not personally too convinced, he should be a part of the team at that time”, he added.
“I am looking at consistency with the team and now I think he has proven beyond doubt he is good, scored over 100 goals, now I think 102”
“He deserves a chance because he has done well. The Egyptian league is not an easy league that you can just ignore”
“He has done well and deserves a chance. All these new guys have the chance, we want people who can help us improve and also win the AFCON.”
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