Head of Ghana’s U17 national team Frederick Acheampong says the team has overcome their disappointments and ready to go for bronze.
The Black Starlets, have regrouped after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Burkina Faso at the WAFU U17 Zone B tournament, according to management committee chairman Frederick Acheampong. The 2-1 defeat dashed Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The young players were devastated by the result, made worse when head coach Laryea Kingston abruptly resigned before the third-place playoff match against Nigeria. To help the team recover mentally and prepare for the game, Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku personally intervened.
“President Okraku has taken the time to get involved himself and help bring the boys back to the level they were at before Saturday’s defeat,” said Acheampong. With assistant coaches Nana Agyemang and Jacob Nettey now leading the team, Acheampong is confident the players have regained their focus.
“The players were understandably disheartened after what happened. But we’re talking about 15 and 16-year-olds, so we had to work on them. The GFA is providing support, including individual sessions with players last night. I can assure you they will take the field with high spirits today.”
The Black Starlets face Nigeria this evening at 4pm at the University of Ghana Stadium in the third-place playoff match, with pride and regional bragging rights on the line.
