体坛英语新闻：FIFA confirms date for Zambia/Ghana World Cup qualifier

LUSAKA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The world soccer governing body FIFA has confirmed that the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier game between Ghana and Zambia will be played on Sept. 6, 2013 in Kumasi, the Zambia Daily Mail reported on Friday.

The crucial encounter was initially scheduled for Sept. 8, 2013 but Ghana asked for a change of date.

Football Associating of Zambia (FAZ) communications officer Erick Mwanza said FIFA wrote to soccer governing bodies in the two countries concerning the date.

"We received correspondence from FIFA that the 2014 World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Zambia will be played on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 at Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi," he was quoted as saying by the paper.

He said the change of date will not dampen the spirit of the team, saying the team will fight hard to ensure progress to the last round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana leads Group D on 12 points while Zambia are second on 11 points. Sudan and Lesotho have two points apiece.