Ghana brace for tough Ethiopia challenge

Ghana’s coach, Maxwell Konadu, anticipates a much more difficult final group game against Ethiopia than the two opening fixtures at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

After a winning start against Congo and a draw with Libya, the home-based national team will come up against Ethiopia today in the final Group C fixture, needing at least a draw to confirm their place in the next round.

Ethiopia, who are out of contention, according to Konadu, had nothing to lose as they chase their first point in the tournament which is exclusive to players based in their native countries.

"This match will be the most difficult for us because the Ethiopians have nothing to lose and they will be under no pressure," Konadu told www.ghanafa.org.

"The pressure is rather on us to beat the Ethiopians and we are confident we will achieve the right results."

It's a three-team race for two quarter-final places, as Ghana are joint leaders in Group C with Libya on four points apiece, while Congo remain third with a point less.

Though a draw will send them through, Konadu has hinted he will go for all the spoils.

"This game is like the knockout stage and so our approach will be different," he said.

"Fortunately, a draw will be okay for us but you don't start a game with the mindset of getting a draw. We will go all out until we think we need a draw."