I’ll fix Stars’ defence – Konadu

Black Stars caretaker coach, Maxwell Konadu, is determined to correct mistakes made by his team, particularly in defence, before they line up against the Syli Nationale of Guinea in a Nations Cup second leg qualifier at the Tamale Stadium on Wednesday.

Black Stars caretaker coach, Maxwell Konadu, is determined to correct mistakes made by his team, particularly in defence, before they line up against the Syli Nationale of Guinea in a Nations Cup second leg qualifier at the Tamale Stadium on Wednesday.

The two sides drew 1-1 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca last Saturday, which put Ghana on top of Group E, one point ahead of Uganda, who were stunned 1-0 by Togo in Kampala.

 A brilliant strike by Ibrahim Traore denied the Stars a second straight away victory after the Ghanaians had taken the lead in the 26th minute through their captain, who finished off a through pass by Jordan Ayew.

Traore’s 81st minute goal exposed Ghana’s defensive frailties, after the rejuvenated Guineans profited from a poor clearance and Traore picked up the ball from the right and meandered into the box before unleashing a thunderbolt into the roof of the net past a stranded goalkeeper Stephen Adams.

After the match, Coach Konadu admitted his side made a number of mistakes and allowed the Guineans too much space to operate, especially close to Ghana’s goal area. But he promised to correct the mistakes to ensure the Stars return to winning ways on Wednesday.

“Generally we played well but we committed some mistakes in midfield and defence and could not hold on to our lead. 

“The Guineans are a good side but we weren’t compact enough in defence and this created room for their attackers to press for a goal. I’ve noted the mistakes and when we get back home we’ll fix them before the return leg match,” Konadu said in a post-match interview.

While the point earned could not lift the Guineans from the third position on the log, their French coach, Michel Dussuyer, was positive his side would get good results in Tamale.

"Going to Ghana will be tough, but we will do our best to take points,” he said.

“We were just very shy and respectful of the opponent. In addition, it made less use of possession. Fortunately, we were able to make adjustments in the second half to come from behind.” 

Guinea captain Traore said the Syli Nationale, who came into the game with a depleted side, following injuries to substantive captain Kamil Zayatte, Trabzonspor’s Kevin Constant and Guy Michel Landel, showed too much respect for star-studded Ghana, but will come fighting in Wednesday’s match to earn a respectable result.