Ghana coach expects tough game vs Mali

Ghana coach expects tough game vs Mali

Navi Mumbai: Ghana, who are considered one of the stronger teams in the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup, saw off a challenge from another  African nation in form of Niger in the round of 16 here on Wednesday.

Ghana’s coach Samuel Fabin, expressed concerns over his side’s poor finishing but was satisfied with the 2-0 scoreline of the match.

“Definitely (conversion rate not being good) is a concern and we are working on it, it’s a work in progress. When it is an U-17 team, you know that  they will make such mistakes. I am satisfied with the two goals that they have scored and that has taken us to the next round (quarterfinals),” said  the 58-year-old coach.

Ghana were awarded two penalties in the game, but one in the dying moments of the first was the one which changed the game on its head.

“The penalty came at a crucial time and it was timely, it boosted our confidence for the second half. We created so many chances, erratic shooting  and indecision robbed us off so many goals,” he further added.

Ghana will now be up against another African nation, Mali, who are in scintillating form in the tournament. They have scored 13 goals in four  outing, where they put five past AFC Champions Iraq in their Round of 16 match on Tuesday. 

But Fabin feels that his side is ready to take on Mali, to whom they lost this year’s Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

“It will be a difficult game as we African sides know each other very well. So it will be a cagey encounter and we are prepared for it,” he said.

Niger coach Ismaila Tiemoko was content with his team’s performance in their debut tournament but admitted that defensive errors proved costly  against Ghana.

“We made defensive errors, which cost us the goals. We are satisfied (for our qualification in the round of 16), but we anyways have gained a lot of  experience (in the tournament),” said the 55-years-old coach.

“For us it is a historic qualification, we went through the first round to reach the round of 16. We have accomplished a lot of big things in the  tournament,” he signed off, as his side will return home with their heads held high.

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