Queens face tough Mali test

If Ghana's Black Queens were hoping to have an easy ride against Mali tomorrow in their final Group B at the ongoing Africa Women's Championship (AWC), they would have to rethink their plan.

The Malians last Wednesday threw open the chances in the group with a 3-1 win over Kenya, recovering from their 0-6 trouncing by Nigeria on the opening.

The Queens on the other hand, share the points with rivals Nigeria in their keenly contested game that ended 1-1, putting on hold their early qualification from the group to the semi-finals.

And with everything to play for, Queens coach, Yussif Basigi, says they are not taking any chances against a Malian side who look ordinary, but could be dangerous as they have proved in their two games.

"I have said from day one that every game is important to us, no side will be underrated or taken for granted."

The Queens at the moment with four points will advance with even a draw while the Malians need a win to make it. However, Coach Basigi has his sights on a win and an unbeaten record going into the semi-finals.

History and the records are on the Queens' side particularly in their AWC meeting, the Ghanaians having won their previous two encounters both at the group stages, 2-0 in 2002 and 1-0 in 2006.

Much as Basigi relishes that history, he insists that feat can only be retained if his ladies work at it.

"I am sure the Malians having won against Kenya have regained their confidence and believe they have a chance to also qualify to the semi-finals.

"We will have to play the entire game with our eyes on the ball from start to finish. Not certain times, in the two games played, we had to fight from behind, we may not be third time lucky and will have to work on that," Coach Basigi told The Mirror.

Though they have picked four points from two games, the Queens need to work on their scoring or shoot at goal and not try to work their way into the opponents' box.

So far, the partnership between Elizabeth Addo and Samira Suleman looks productive but supporting striker, Portia Boakye will have to lift her game while the midfield built around Priscilla Okyere and Juliet Acheampong must show more grit.

Equally, Coach Basigi will also need to reconsider his substitution and bring on players who will be very influential. Florence Dadson who has been on twice is yet to impress.

Meanwhile, defending champions, Nigeria are no doubt, the favourites as they come up against Kenya, whose ego has been depleted following the loss to Mali.

The Kenyans had been confident about beating Mali judging by their performance on the opening day, and thus rested three of their key players.

Unfortunately, their plan backfired and may want to leave their first AWC with some pride. Against Nigeria, however, it will be difficult task, and like Zimbabwe, will be saying goodbye to Cameroun 2016 after tomorrow.

Likely line-up for Queens:

Nana Ama Asantewaa, Cynthia Adobea, Linda Eshun, Rosemary Ampem, Janet Egyir, Juliet Acheampong, Priscilla Okyere, Alice Kusi, Portia Boakye, Elizabeth Addo, Samira Suleman.

2016 AWC

Upcoming matches

Group A

Friday, Nov. 25

Zimbabwe v Cameroun

(4:00pm)

Egypt v South Africa (4:00pm)

Saturday, Nov. 26

Group B

Mali v Ghana (7:00pm)

Kenya v Nigeria (7:00pm)