Emmanuel Boateng fired up for Iceland
Black Stars striker, Emmanuel Boateng, says he is looking forward to putting up another splendid performance for the senior national side against Iceland in an international friendly in Reykjavik on Thursday.
Boateng, 22, scored on his international debut against Japan last Wednesday as Kwasi Appiah’s newlook side beat the Japanese 2-0 with the forward scoring Ghana’s second goal from a spot kick. Now the Levante star is optimistic about repeating a similar performance when Ghana play against World Cup-bound Iceland.
Ahead of the game with Iceland, Boateng was quoted by football website 442gh.com as saying he was fired up by his debut international goal and was looking forward to the future with the national team.
“It means a lot to me as a player. I will give thanks to God and to my team mates for the support.
“I’m really happy and excited for such a feat. Scoring my first goal in my first national team game is really exciting and I look forward a similar performance against Iceland,” he said.
Coach Appiah’s side are already in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, as they look to make it two wins in two friendly games at the 15,000-capacity Laugardalsvöllur Stadium.
Coach Appiah is expected to field almost the same line up that defeated Japan in last Wednesday’s friendly, with Atletico Madrid’s midfielder,Thomas Partey, set to lead the team again after a command performance and a goal against Japan.
Richard Ofori is expected to maintain his place in the post after a fine performance against Japan, with central defenders Rashid Sumaila and Nicholas Opoku protecting the South Africa-based shot stopper who has worked his way into establishing himself as Appiah’s first choice goalie.
Reading’s Andy Yiadom could return to his right-back position with Lumor Agbenyenu playing from the left side of the defence.
Turkey-based Attamah Larweh and Isaac Sackey are expected to control the midfield with Nana Amponsah and Frank Acheampong playing on flanks respectively.
Meanwhile, the Graphic Sports understands that Italy-based Afriyie Acquah is available for selection after joining the team in camp in Reykjavik, having previously refused to travel with the Stars for the Japan friendly in protest at the decision to slash their appearance fees from $5,000 to $2,000. However, it is uncertain if Mubarak Wakaso, who also refused to travel with the team for the Japan game over the appearance fee saga, will make an appearance in camp for Thursday’s game.