Satellites arrive in Bursa for semi-final clash
Ghana's Black Satellites arrived in the north-western city of Bursa yesterday after a one-and-half hour travel from Istanbul by ship ahead of their crucial semi-finals encounter against France tomorrow at the 26,000 capacity Ataturk Stadium.
The Ghanaians subsequently checked into the five-star Crown Plaza Hotel, where the French team have been lodging since their arrival from Ganzientep into Bursa, one of Turkey’s most populous cities
The Satellites qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup after overpowering a stubborn Chilean side 4-3 in extra time after a thrilling quarter-finals battle at the Ali Sami Yen Arena in Istanbul last Sunday.
On board the ship yesterday was the entire 22-player squad, and team officials, all poised to make it to yet another final in 2009 after achieving a similar feat in Egypt.
Chairman of the Black Satellites Management Committee, George Afriyie, told the Graphic Sports that the team made the early trip to Bursa to enable them to get acquainted to the Ataturk Stadium.
"We will have our first training this evening [referring to yesterday evening]. Then tomorrow, the team will train both in the morning and evening at the venue of the match and then look ahead to the game against France.
"I have always said this is one particular game that we need to prepare very well before we go into and put up our best.
"For me, the fact that we lost our first game against France is enough warning that France will always be difficult in this engagement, and I can tell you that it was the most painful defeat that we conceded in this tournament,” admitted Mr Afriyie of the challenge ahead.
“As for the defeat against Spain, we can concede that because, they are a strong force in world soccer and came into this tournament as European champions," Afriyie emphasised.
Though the Ghanaian players looked poised for action and ready to exact revenge on France, who beat them 3-0 in the opening game, there is a growing feeling among the players that such vengeance could be achieved if they adopt the right strategy to overcome the huge physical presence of the French players.
By Andy Quao / Daily Graphic / Ghana
