Maxwell Konadu, head coach of Ghana’s U-20 side, has said they will not underrate Uganda Hippos when the two teams clash tomorrow in the first leg of the 2013 Africa Youth Championship qualifier at Nakivubo Stadium.
Konadu said that they have heard a lot about Ugandan football and have a lot of respect for Uganda. He noted that though Uganda enjoys home field advantage at this stage, they would try to take their chances because winning this phase will depend on two legs and not one.
//Cue in; We know and respect…
Cue out: See how the game goes,” //
The Ghanaian continent of 33 that arrived early this morning at 1.15am on an Ethiopian Airlines flight is booked at Hotel Sojavalo. The Black Satellites were meant to arrive on Wednesday morning but postponed their arrival date after the death of their President John Evans Atta Mills.
Konadu, who took over the junior team two weeks ago after the former head coach stepped down because of mounting pressure, told URN that his short time in-charge of the team is not a problem because they have had three build-up games and have played well. He said the Black Satellites are looking good to score. Konadu is also assistant coach of the senior national side, Black Stars.
//Cue in; When I took over..
Cue out: we shall win,” //
Ghana, winners of both the Africa Youth Championship and World Cup titles in 2009 will rely on their attack of Patrick Twumasi and Benjamin Fadi for the goals.
Although the Ghana team is very respected, Hippos coach Paul Nkatta told URN on phone from their camp in Kavumba that they are also very ready for action come Saturday.
The winner of the two-leg tie advances to meet either Morocco or the Gambia in the second round set for September and October.
The 20 man Ghana squad has two goalkeepers Muntari Tagoe and Felix Annan, while the defense has Seidu Salifu, Richmond Nketiah, Jeremiah Akorful, Joseph Attama Larweh, Ahmed Adams, Lawrence Lartey and Daniel Amartey.
The Ghana coach will pick his midfield from the likes of Abubakar Mumuni, Jackson Owusu, Isaac Sackey, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi, Joseph Baffour Gyewu, Michael Anaba and Emmanuel Gyamfi.
