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Ghana resolute as Kenya pull out of All-Africa Games

Sport
Kenya has pulled out of this weekend’s All-Africa Games qualifier against Uganda citing lack of funds to take the team to Kampala. Following the withdrawal, Uganda go through, having thumped their neighbours 5-1 in the first leg in Nairobi. Football Kenya Limited (FKL) told BBC Sport that they did not have funds to take the […]

Kenya has pulled out of this weekend’s All-Africa Games qualifier against Uganda citing lack of funds to take the team to Kampala.

Following the withdrawal, Uganda go through, having thumped their neighbours 5-1 in the first leg in Nairobi. Football Kenya Limited (FKL) told BBC Sport that they did not have funds to take the team to Kampala.

They say the government needed to step in to provide the required $12 000.

‘’This is an All-Africa Games event. If they qualify they represent Kenya and not FKL, so it’s time the sports ministry becomes serious,’’ said FKL’s technical director Hussein Swaleh.

The remaining four slots for All-Africa Games are to be decided this weekend after the second leg matches of the final round.

Ghana host their bitter rivals Nigeria in Kumasi and the Black Meteors must overcome a 3-1 deficit in the first leg.

Ghana’s preparations for the clash have been blighted by the uncertainty surrounding the availability of some key players.

Midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Jonathan Mensah, Jordan Ayew and Richmond Boakye Yiadom remain doubtful for the crucial clash due to their involvement in pre-season training with their respective clubs in Europe.

After the first leg, Ghana’s captain Samuel Inkoom told BBC Sport they were determined to overturn the deficit.

“I spoke to the players and told them it’s not over until it’s over.”

“Ghana against Nigeria is like a derby game — they may have won but we are going back to Ghana to correct our mistakes.’’ said Inkoom.

Nigeria have an advantage from the first leg win but an away goal will make things more comfortable for them, given that a 2-0 win for Ghana is enough to get them to Maputo.

They too have challenges with Ahmed Musa of VVV Venlo and Obiorah Nwankwo of Parma ruled out, but Austin Eguavoen’s side has been boosted by the confirmation of two-goal hero in the first leg, Nosa Igiebor of Norwegian side Lillestrom.

Defending champions Cameroon, the most successful team in the history of All-Africa Games, are in danger of missing out if they do not overcome a 1-0 deficit as they host DR Congo in Yaounde.

The Indomitable Cubs have already missed out on the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

South Africa will be taking a comfortable 2-0 lead to Zimbabwe , with a lot expected from the in-form Orlando Pirates’ Bongani Ndulula, the scorer of the two first leg goals.

Senegal host Guinea in Dakar following a 1-0 defeat in Conakry two weeks ago.

The All-Africa Games will take place from September 3-18 2011 in Maputo, Mozambique.

Hosts Mozambique, Egypt and Madagascar have already sealed their places for the 10th edition of the games. —BBC Sport