TEAMS AFRAID OF THE FLAMES

The Flames were scheduled to go into camp this week but the camp date has been pushed back to August 10, 2009. The postponement comes after FAM failed to organize a strength testing match on FIFA Fixed Friendly date of August 12, 2009. “We wrote about 13 associations requesting that we play them friendly games, but as of now not even one of them has positively responded to our letters. It is therefore clear that the Flames will not play a strength testing match before they meet Guinea.” – Suzgo Nyirenda, FAM Administration Manager

It seems teams are afraid of the Flames, lol! Teams are afraid to play a friendly against Malawi because they (the teams) are afraid they will lose, consequently moving down on FIFA ranking. On August 12, The Black Stars of Ghana will play against Zambia in UK at the Match-room Stadium, which is also called Brisbane Road, and is the ground of English League One side, Leyton Orient. “Only some few days ago we had Morocco in the picture but they had to withdraw because they were afraid they will lose. Teams are afraid to play the Black Stars because of the fear of losing their position on the Fifa ranking.” – GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyie told Ghanasoccernet.com

Meanwhile, Egypt will host fellow 2010 World Cup hopefuls Guinea in an international friendly on August 12 in Cairo. Guinea and Malawi are fighting for 3rd position in Group E . Guinea have 3 points after beating Malawi 2-1 and losing to Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, 2-1 and 4-2, respectively. Malawi anchor Group E with 0 points. Malawi and Guinea meet again on September 5, 2009 but this time Malawi will be playing at home. The Flames must win by hook or crook and they need to win big. If they lose they will be done and dusted. A draw will mean that they will have to win at least one game (against Ivory Coast / Burkina Faso) assuming Guinea lose their remaining games. A win against Guinea will not guarantee a ticket to Angola (ACN). The 5-0 whooping in Ivory Coast seems to have cost the Flames a ticket to Angola. I am sure, in Ivory Coast, Guinea will “pack the bus” in front of their goalie so I don’t expect them to lose by a wider margin. Will Malawi beat Ivory Coast in Malawi and will Malawi beat Burkina Faso in Burkina Faso? Anything can happen in football? One game at a time?