Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Avram Grant says he will do all it takes to qualify from what has been from the ‘group of death.’
The Israeli gaffer and his Black Stars side have been handed a tough draw against household names Senegal, South Africa and Algeria for the 30th edition of the African flagship championship.
Grant, the ex-Chelsea boss at his first briefing with the Ghanaian media initially spoke of his delight in taking up the job of the national team for the next 27 months.
“I’m very happy to take the job of the Black Stars which is a big challenge. For me to be here as the national coach is a big privilege. I will do my best and everybody will be happy,” he said in his opening remarks at the Thursday presser.
Grant revealed his humour side in reaction to a question posed about Ghana being drawn in the group of death for the Afcon set to be held in Equatorial Guinea.
“You are calling it a group of death but we all want to live and not to die,” the relaxed 59-year-old jested.
“It’s not an easy draw but we will do our best.
“They are very good teams. South Africa qualified unbeaten. Senegal is a good team. I saw two of Algeria’s games at the World Cup and they were very good. I think it will be difficult for us and difficult for the opponents too.”
The Ghana national team look a team in transition and the Football Association say they are not demanding the coach to at all costs bring the Afcon trophy which has eluded the country for the last three decades – he has rather been tasked to “do well.”
“The target as far as I know is not 2015 but I will do everything to win every game. I think the most important thing is to do well and build up the football side of the national team,” he stressed.
Ghana face Senegal in Mongomo on January 19 before games against Algeria and South Africa on the 23rd and 27th of January respectively.
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