Coach Abdul Karim Zito insists Ghana’s ambitions of winning the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title for a record fourth time – at Mauntiania 2021 – are still intact.
The Black Satellites sent early signals with a 4-0 thrashing of Tanzania but drew barren with Morocco in their second before letting slip a lead to lose 2-1 to Gambia in their final game in Group C.
Ghana, nevertheless, advanced to the quarterfinal stage as one of two best third-placed teams.
But the team’s performance has left many in doubt to go all the way to clinch the title on March 6.
Speaking after the defeat to the Young Scorpions, coach Zito said he was confident Ghana will do better with hard work.
“We didn’t get what we wanted but qualification is the key, we are going back to the drawing board, all that we did wrong we will do the amendments.
“If we have to make any meaningful impact in this tournament, it means we have to work hard within these two days to face whoever we come up against.
“We coming third doesn’t mean we can’t win the cup. We didn’t have it right here, but the objective is still there, we’ve not lost hope. I’m happy we’ve qualified,” he noted.
Ghana face Cameroon who won all three group games in the first quarterfinal match scheduled for Thursday, February 25 at Stade Olympique in Nouakchott.
