Sports News of Saturday, 29 June 2013

Source: goal.com

Ghana sneak into Under-20 World Cup last 16

Ghana’s Under-20 team the Black Satellites have surprisingly progressed to the knockout stage of the 2013 Under-20 World Cup in Turkey after a nervous wait to pick one of the slots reserved for four third-place sides.

The Black Satellites who had been sitting on tenterhooks since Thursday had Egypt to thank after the Young Pharaohs defeated England 2-0 in their last group game on Saturday evening.

England needed a win at all cost to ensure progression, however, after holding the north Africans in the first half, it was Trezeguet who broke the deadlock in the 78th minute to put his side in the lead as well as pave the way for Ghanaians to start a party.

The Pharaohs, who should have added two more goals to see them through, only managed a last-gasp goal through Hassan Ahmed, to finish third in group E with three points on top of England.

It has been a rollercoaster journey for Ghana - 2009 World Champions - after losing 3-1 against France in their opening game then falling again 1-0 against Spain, but pulled up in a 4-1 last group game against the USA.

The Black Satellites will face Portugal on Wednesday at the knockout stage.