Head Coach of the national under-17 team, the Black Starlets of Ghana Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin says the quarter final clash against Mali will be a tough one for his side, but added they are prepared for the African Champions.
The Black Starlets set up a clash with their neighbors Mali, after dispatching Niger 2-0 in the round of 16 on Wednesday. Captain Eric Ayiah converted from the spot with second half substitute Richard Danso scoring the other.
Having played Mali twice already this year and lost on both occassions, Coach Samuel Paa Kwesi Fabin says the game is going to be difficult but expects the Black Starlets to triumph.
“When two African teams play each other, the game is very difficult because we know each other so well. It going to be another cagey encounter but we are prepared for any team,” Fabin said in a post-match interview.
Ghana lost by a goal to nil to Mali in the finals of the Africa Junior Championship played in Gabon earlier this year before losing 2-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly to the same opponents.
The Malians have been imperious at the FIFA under-17 world Cup in India, following their 5-1 thrashing of Iraq in the round of 16.
With Nigeria missing at the tournament, Mali are favorites after placing second in the last edition in 2015.
Ghana, meanwhile, are two times champions of the tournament and are looking forward to a third glory, but will have to go past Mali on Saturday.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin