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Soccer News of Thursday, 12 July 2001

Source: GNA

Black Satellites return home

The Black Satellites, National Under-20 Soccer team, silver medallists in the just-ended World U-20 Youth Championship in Argentina, returned home without the usual fanfare that characterises the arrival of national football teams.

There were pockets of fans waving holding the national flag to welcome the team back home.

The Satellites looked happy and cheerful though they lost the final match 3-0 to Argentina.

The Deputy Sports Minister Joe Aggrey, who arrived ahead of the team, was at the airport to welcome them.

He urged them to maintain the discipline, which brought them the honour and said the country was proud of them for getting that far and that their failure to grab the gold should not dampen their spirits.

"This youth competition is a step to greater heights, notably the World Cup. You might have lost the match but you have the skills," he said.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Chairman, Ben Kwofie urged them to work hard towards joining the senior team saying that he was hopeful that Ghana would qualify for the World Cup with dedication.

The coach of the team, E. K. Afranie thanked Ghanaians for their prayers and support adding that they did their best to bring the cup home but failed at the last hurdle.

Also at the airport to meet the Black Satellites were Brigadier George Brock, Chief Executive of the National Sports Council and officials of the Council.