Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei has recognised the formidable challenge posed by their upcoming semifinal opponents, Senegal, as they prepare for a crucial showdown in the 2023 African Games.
With their focus now set on the pivotal match scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 8 pm in the Accra Sports Stadium, the Ghana U-20 team is gearing up for a fierce encounter.
Having topped Group A, Ghana secured their spot in the semifinals and will square off against the Group B runners-up for a chance to advance to the grand final of the 13th African Games Men’s Football Competition.
⚽️ 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 – Semi Final 🫵🏾
🇬🇭 Ghana U20 🆚 Senegal U20 🇸🇳
🏟️ Accra Sports Stadium
⏱️ 8:00 PM#BlackSatellites | #AfricanGames | #Accra2023 pic.twitter.com/aSg1F4zQWl— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 19, 2024
Addressing the media ahead of the match, Coach Ofei expressed confidence in his team’s ability to progress to the final while acknowledging Senegal’s impressive track record and prowess.
“Its going to be a very difficult game against a very good side.”
“For us once again, it’s against a very tough opponent. Senegal is a good team and they did well last year in the U17 and U20 tournaments. They went to the World Cup and got one loss and two draws.”
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Despite the challenge posed by Senegal, Ofei remains optimistic about his team’s chances, emphasizing the importance of tactical awareness, sharpness in duels, organization, and ball control.
“We have to stay true to ourselves and what we did in the past we have to replicate and multiply it. We have to be tactically aware and be sharp on the duels. We need to be well organised and control the ball well. That’s what we stand for and I think we are improving game by game. We need to be focused on the game at hand against Senegal.”
The Black Satellites are determined to secure victory in the semifinals and ultimately clinch the gold medal for Ghana. Their female counterparts, the Black Princesses, have already booked their spot in the final of the Women’s football competition after defeating Senegal.