Soccer News of Tuesday, 21 July 2015
Source: Graphic.com.gh
Ghana’s Black Queens coach, Yussif Basigi
Ghana’s Black Queens coach, Yussif Basigi, says Cameroun were lucky not to have conceded heavily against his side during their 2016 Olympic qualifier in Yaounde last Saturday.
He has however, indicated that the Camerounians, fresh from their Women’s World Cup (WWC) exploit, may not be that lucky when they play the second leg in Accra in two weeks’ time.
A goal from captain Mercy Myles put the Queens in the lead on the 25th minute, but nine minutes into the second half, Christine Manie equalised to save the 2015 WWC debutantes the blushes in front of their teeming fans at home.
On their return home yesterday, Coach Basigi told the Graphic Sports, though they had aimed at a win, the draw was also good for his side as they prepared for the second leg.
“I think the Camerounians were looking at their participation and performance at the recently held WWC instead of showing us some respect. They were lucky because we were a bit wasteful in front of goal.
“If we had utilised all the chances we created, we would have returned with a win, but all is not lost and we are happy with the draw. What it means is we have to work extra hard so that we can make the most of the chances the second leg will present us,” Coach Basigi contended.
He was particularly satisfied with the performance of the team but said they would have to smoothen the rough edges to ensure victory in the return leg.
“We are determined to advance in this Olympic campaign. We have been handed an advantage and we have also identified some mistakes in our performance in Yaounde, we will work on it so that our dream of advancing in these qualifiers will be on course.”
The Camerounians have never beaten the Queens since their paths began crossing in 1998, however, in 2012, the indomitable Lionesses beat the Queens to qualify for their first Olympics at the London Games. That final Olympic qualifier ended 1-0 in favour of the Lionesses after they had held the Queens to a 1-1 draw game in the first leg in Accra.