Claiming one of the seven places available at the Africa U-17 Championships will would not come easy as 14 sides, including Ghana attempt to seal their spots in the finals to be hosted by Algeria next year.
Ghana would on Saturday be action as the Black Starlets try to finish the job of qualifying for the finals in Banjul when they play the Gambia.
A 3-1 first leg win at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi puts Ghana in a commanding lead ahead of tomorrow’s deciding game.
Banjul has this year become a familiar territory where Ghana has sealed qualification. In October, Ghana edged out the Gambia to a place at the African Youth Championship after the Under-20 team; the Black Satellites beat the Young Scorpions in the final qualifier.
Such is a feat the Black Starlets are expected to take a cue from despite the grounds being not too a friendly place.
The Black Starlets missed the chance of winning gold at the U-17 Championships four years ago when a Gambian fan jumped onto the field of play to distract the Ghanaian goalkeeper to help the Young Scorpions score the match winner in the finals.
That’s the sort of history that Black Starlets remain aware off.
Talking exclusively to www.ghanafa.org ahead of takeoff on Friday, E.K Afranie looked back to what was an “unforgettable experience” but also one of hope and desire to qualify.
“There is history between both sides. But it’s not the same Gambian team but a different team now. They have put in some seriousness in their youth football but Ghana started this a long time ago and we have maintained our plans of developing from this stage. We have lots of experience with the competition.
“We have put in some good preparations and expect to qualify from Banjul to Algeria,” he told www.ghanafa.org.
While his Black Starlets team basks in the glow of adulation, Ghana coach, E.K Afranie is not getting carried away as he sweats to complete a detailed plan when his team plays away.
“The goal is to reach the World Cup and the qualifiers have changed. Back then it used to be the home and away basis before a team could reach the World Cup but now we have the Championship. So, we are bent on making it to the African Championship first. From Algeria to Nigeria, that’s the objective of the team. And we have been working towards it.”
He signed off his preparations with an important victory over local side, Okwahu United but the veteran head coach’s experience remains intact that he knows qualification is not secured yet.
“We know the Gambians will be tough at home but we are sure of scaling over the hurdle. The team has come this far and we can’t afford any slip at this stage.”
E.K Afranie is on the verge of a third African U-17 Championship appearance but he needs to guide the Black Starlets to complete the double in Banjul.
“We need to qualify and assure Ghanaians that we stand a chance of making an impact at the Championship. You can’t write off Ghana in youth football,” he said to www.ghanafa.org.
