Former FIFA under-17 world Cup winner, Nii Odartey Lamptey believes the Black Starlets can go all the way to the finals of the World Cup in India.
Ghana progressed to the round of 16 after thrashing host India 4-0 on Thursday. Captain Eric Ayiah scored a brace before second half substitutes Richard Danso and Emmanuel Toku added the others.
The win saw the Black Starlets top group A and a former winner of the World Cup, Nii Odartey Lamptey is hopeful the team can go far in the competition but cautioned against influence from external bodies, like agents and scouts alike.
“Yes, I mean there is no doubt we can go to the final, we have the materials that they should be able to get to the finals if we do things right,” he told Happy FM.
The ex-Black Starlets player was however worried about the kind of influences from other parties, especially knowing there are scouts around watching them.
“For now I feel sorry for Paa Kwesi,” he said. “He might be doing everything right, I’m sure Paa Kwesi is talking to them, psyching them but you see the second, third and fourth people out there, they are worrying the boys.”
“If you look at how they placed second at the African Cup, if we put our feet down and the players decide to play as a team and play for Mother Ghana. The secondary matters will be of worry,”
“But from what I have seen so far, watching Paraguay, Mali and other big names, I think we should be able to go further in the competition,” said the 1991 world Cup winner.
The Black Starlets will find out their next opponents after the first round of matches. It is likely they will play one of the best third place team.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin