Sports News of Friday, 3 June 2016
Source: supersport.com
File photo
Mauritius will be out to record their first win in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers when they host Ghana at the Stade Anjalay in Belle Vue Maurel on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT).
The Dodos were thumped 5-0 by a confident Rwanda side away in their previous 2017 Afcon Group H qualifier encounter.
However, they have a good record at home — having won their two home games in the qualifying campaign. They beat both Mozambique and Rwanda 1-0 at home.
Mauritius are currently placed third in the Group H standings with six points. They are only behind second-placed Rwanda on goal difference.
Ipswich Town star Kevin Bru remains Dodos’ key player. The midfielder has been included in Joe Tshupula’s 25-man squad for the clash with Ghana.
Mauritius Football Association (MFA) President Mohammad Ally Samir has warned the Black Stars of Ghana when speaking to the Ghanaian media.
“Ghana is one of the best football countries in Africa and boast quality players,” Samir said.
“We will teach them that football in recent time has no minnows. Anybody can become a winner so they should expect a bitter lesson.”
Meanwhile, Ghana will be looking to book their place in the 2017 Afcon finals when they lock horns with Mauritius on Sunday.
The Black Stars played to goalless stalemate with a stubborn Mozambique side away in their previous Group H encounter.
This was Ghana’s first draw on the road. The West African side edged out Rwanda 1-0 in their other away encounter.
Ghana are sitting at the top of Group H standings with ten points. They are four points ahead of second-placed Rwanda.
Avram Grant’s side will look to Andre Ayew to inspire them to victory, which would send them to the Gabon 2017 Afcon finals.
Grant expects Ayew to do well as the team captain in the absence of injured striker Asamoah Gyan.
“Asamoah has been unlucky with injuries in recent times, but I hope he is back very soon,” Grant told the media.
“In his absence Ayew is the captain and he is doing a good job and this is not the first time he is doing that.”
Ghana annihilated Mauritius 7-1 in their first Group H meeting. Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa will be in charge of Sunday’s game.