Head coach of Ghana’s U-17 side, Laryea Kingston, believes the team is heading in the right direction after recording a routine 2-0 win over Benin to book a spot in the ongoing WAFU U-17 Zone B tournament at the University of Ghana Stadium yesterday.
Prior to kick off, Ghana, who were at the summit of group A, needed a point to secure qualification to the semi-final of the competition.
And after a dominant opening 20 minutes, Mark Kagawa Mensah opened the scoring after a well-worked team move carved open Benin’s defence.
The swift interplay showcased throughout the tournament was seen once more when Theophilus Ayamga was on hand to probe in a 27 passing sequence, leading to Ghana’s second and final goal of the game.
In spite of the first half dominance, Ghana failed to match up that display in the second half, but managed to see out the game, booking a semi-final spot in the process.
Ultimately, the win sets Ghana on course to advance to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2017, a feat which head coach Laryea Kingston believes will crown the efforts of his right directed team.
Since 2017, Ghanaians have not seen our youth team that previously we enjoy most ; from 91, 93, 95, 97, 99, 2001, that we lost this team. So, if we are able to qualify this team, I think its amazing. For me, i’ll be much happy than anything else in the world, because I know Ghanaians are craving for this, I know Ghanains have worked so hard. They put a lot of things for us to get there but its been very difficult because other countries are also developing. I think we are in the right direction, he said
Ghana await the runners up in group B for a semi-final clash on Saturday, before (potentially ) finishing the tournament with a Tuesday final clash, which will automatically secure passage to the U-17 AFCON.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh
