Michael oti Adjei BBC Sport, Accra

Barreto says Ghana's preparations are laughable

Ghana coach Mariano Barreto says the Black Stars' hopes of qualifying for the next World Cup are being undermined by "laughable" preparations.

Ghana kick off their campaign for Germany 2006 with an away fixture against Burkina Faso on Saturday.

But of the 19 foreign-based players called up, only 10 had bothered to turn for camp late on Monday.

A furious Barreto told BBC Sport that attitudes had to change given the importance of Saturday's match.

Ghana is the only country where clubs are more important than the national team Mariano Barreto, Ghana coach

"I have an important game against Burkina Faso and expect a much better response than this.

"Most countries are taking these qualifiers seriously but as always, I'm having problems with camping," he said.

The Portuguese coach said that a general apathy towards the national team, especially from local clubs, is hindering the progress of the Black Stars.

"Ghana is the only country where clubs are more important than the national team.

"The people of Ghana must decide if it's the local clubs they want to see thrive or their national team.

"People only know how to say 'we must win' but never put in place the conditions necessary for winning.