Stars to settle scores with DR Congo

The third quarter-final fixture of the 2014 CHAN tournament between the Black Stars and DR Congo presents a golden opportunity for Ghana to avenge the 0-2 defeat suffered at the hands of their opponents during the grand finale of the maiden tournament in Cote d’ Ivoire five years ago.

After defeating DR Congo 2-0 at the group stage of the maiden tournament, the Congolese bounced back in the final to reply the Black Stars with a similar margin in the grand finale, thereby denying Ghana the opportunity to become the  first country to caress the trophy.

In post for DR Congo on that occasion was TP Mazembe’s veteran dependable goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba, who is now the skipper of the team.

The excellent display of the 38-year-old Kidiaba in that match contributed mainly to that victory. But since then, the two sides have not clashed at any competitive level again.

That is why tomorrow’s encounter has presented the Stars with an opportunity to dismiss the Congolese from the tournament and progress to the semi-finals.

On their way to the quarter-finals, DR Congo, who finished second in Group D, first defeated Mauritania by a lone goal, lost to Gabon by a lone goal, and ditched Burundi 2-1 to garner six points.

The Black Stars, who topped Group C with seven points, also accounted for Congo Brazzaville 1-0 in their first group match, drew 1-1 with Libya and defeated Ethiopia by a lone goal, courtesy a penalty kick converted by Kwabena Adusei.

Both Ghana and DR Congo have scored  three goals each in the competition, but while Ghana has conceded only one goal, their opponents have conceded two in three games, indicating that with a little effort the Stars can penetrate their defence and bang in the goals that will propel them into the semi-final stage.

So far, goalkeeper Stephen Adams has proved to be in charge in the post, and with support from Kwabena Adusei, Nuru Sulley and Tijani Joshua at the back, he is likely to keep a clean sheet.

It is important, therefore, that Yahaya Mohammed, Seidu Bancey and Theophilus Anobaah in attack should focus on converting their chances, including set-pieces that come their way, to enable the Stars to realise their dream.

The task ahead is hectic but not insurmountable, which is why Coach Maxwell Konadu and his charges must be on top of this game on Sunday to make the last four.

Stephen Adams, Francis Morton, Joshua Tijani, Nuru Sulley, Kwabena Adusei,  Richard Mpong, Jordan Opoku, Yahaya Mohammed, Asiedu Atobrah, Seidu Bancey and Latif Mohammed are likely to start the match on Sunday.