FIFA Scuttles Ghana's 2013 Africa Cup Of Nations Build-Up

Ghana�s build-up for a 2013 AFCON qualifier against Malawi has suffered a massive setback after FIFA moved the friendly window by a month. The Black Stars had hoped to play a top grade friendly against a top world side during the FIFA-free window fixed for August 15 in preparation for the final qualifier in September But MTNFootball.com has now scooped that the world football governing body has moved that window to September 11. This means that Ghana will not be able to line up a full-strength team before they host Malawi in the first leg of the final qualifying match for South Africa 2013 on September 8. Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah was planning a top grade friendly most likely against a top side in August prior to the match against the Flames the following month, but this change by FIFA has now scuttled this arrangement. This means the Black Stars will have not friendly preparation for coach Appiah to observe some of the player he recently monitored in Europe. Ghana host Malawi on September 8 in the first leg of the final qualifier for the 2013 Nations Cup, while the return leg match will be played in Blantyre on October 14.