Awal Mohammed targets Black Stars call

Strong defender, Awal Mohammed, is aiming high to play for the senior national team, the Black Stars who are currently gearing up for the CAN 2012 qualifier against DR Congo and a friendly international against “The Three Lions” of England.

Though he admits the team comprises of quality and experienced players, he believes he has the wherewithal to make a mark for himself when given the opportunity by Serbian Tactician Goran “Plavi” Stevanovic.

“It is my biggest dream to play for the Black Stars. I know there is high competition in the team but if the coach gives me the chance I will surely prove my worth to all” he told Kotoko Express.

Awal Mohammed is one of the 14 players recruited in the second round to beef up the Kotoko set up. He has so far distinguished himself well in the team with his aerial ability and good tackling.

Many Kotoko supporters have also lauded his combination with Ohene Brenya at the central defence.

That notwithstanding, the former Feyenoord and Asec Mimosas player is still looking up to an improved performance as the Glo Premier League progresses.

“The way people hail and receive me after every game makes me believe that I’m on the right path. But I’m staying focused because we still have a lot of work to do in the days ahead of us” he said.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Kotoko supporters for their dedication and loyalty to the club and assured that he and his colleagues would do their best to make them happy all the time.

Recounting his experience in Sudan where the home based Black Stars lost all group phase matches to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Niger, Awal Mohammed said it was one tournament he quickly wants to forget in life because of the shame it brought to them as players and Ghana football in general.

He however refused to accept the notion that Coach Herbert Addo did not select the right calibre of players for the competition. To him luck eluded them in the tournament.

“Playing three consecutive matches without victory was something we all couldn’t understand. But I think it will be most unfair for critics to say that we the players were not up to standard because it was clear that luck was not on our side” he explained adding that the competition at least gave most of them the necessary exposure.

Asked how he sees Kotoko’s chances on Sunday against Aduana Stars in the 21^st week fixture in Kumasi, the enterprising defender said it was a game they cannot afford to lose having dropped points at Bekwai.

He added that Aduana defeated them 2-0 in the first leg and now is the time for Kotoko to seek revenge.