Satellites vow to win bronze
The Black Satellites have braced themselves up for tomorrow's confrontation, hoping to secure a consolation in third place against amazing Iraq as the U-20 World Cup heads for the climax.
It is going to be a difficult undertaking by the players to lift themselves from the apparent disappointment and face the reality in a competition that Ghana has nurtured a rich and proud record.
Since winning the cup in 2009 and appearing twice in the final in 1993 and 2001, the Satellites appear to have outgrown bronzes at the world stage of the U-20.
A relive of the 1997 edition, when Ghana beat Ireland for bronze, the Satellites last Wednesday night managed to overcome their setback, as they pledged at their hotel at Bursa to set themselves for tomorrow's battle to show something for their effort.
Midfielder Ebenezer Assifuah, a youngster who have captivated many at the ongoing tournament, was terribly devastated after the match but later appeared to have lifted himself from the ashes for tomorrow's game, one that the Iraqis see as an acceptable climax for their fairytale exploits at the competition.
Assifuah is among the leading goal scorers at the compeittion and relishes the oppotunity to add to his tally in tomorrow's game, a realisation that appears to be his greatest motivation.
"I came here to help Ghana to win the cup and not about my personal amibition, and if I end up as the top scorer I will give glory to God", he told the Graphic Sports.
A team inspired by Adnan Ali, who has been the key architect behind the Iraq team that is hoping to assuage the political strife in their country, will go full scale at the opportunity to win.
But a resurgent Satellites can spoil the Iraqi party after 90 minutes even though they will be losing the vital services of goalkeeper Eric Antwi, who emerged from the last game with a swollen leg.
In his place will be substitute goalkeeper Michael Sai, while the team is expected to profit immensely from the return of Lawrence Lartey, Joseph Attarma and Moses Odjer, who all missed last Wednesday's game against France due to double card situations.
