Soccer News of Monday, 17 June 2013

Source: MTNfootball

Satellites ready for World Cup

Ghana’s Black Satellites look set for the FIFA Under-20 Championship in Turkey after wrapping up their preparation for the tournament with a 4-3 loss on penalties to a 10-man Brazil side in the final of the four-nation Valais Youth Cup in Switzerland last Saturday night.

The Black Satellites rallied to score a late equaliser in the 94th minute through striker Ebenezer Assifuah to tie the match 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

Vinicius Araujo had scored to give the Brazilians a 25th minute lead.

During the tie-breaking shootouts, Brazil goalkeeper Alisson emerged hero by saving two of Ghana's kicks.

It was sweet revenge for the South Americans who lost by the same margin to Ghana at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Ghana coach, Sellas Tetteh, made two changes to his starting line-up which beat Kosovo 5-4 on penalties in the semi-final clash.

Centre-back Lawrence Lartey returned from injury and partnered Joseph Attamah as Chelsea of England youth team captain, Daniel Pappoe, dropped to the bench.

Diminutive dribbler, Clifford Aboagye, replaced Seidu Salifu in midfield.

The match, played at the Sports Complex Bout du Lac Bouveret, served as Ghana's final test match before leaving for the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals.

The Satellites are expected in Istanbul today, three days before their Group B opener against

Satellite starting line-up: Eric Ofori Antwi- Jeremiah Arkorful, Lawrence Lartey (c), Joseph Attamah, Richmond Nketiah, Ebenezer Ofori, Frank Acheampong, Clifford Aboagye, Alfred Duncan, Francis Narh, Ebenezer Assifuah

Reserves: Michael Sai, Siedu Salifu, Daniel Pappoe, Moses Odjer, Kwame Boahene, Kennedy Ashia, Michael Anaba, Princebell Addico, Michael Mensah.