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Soccer News of Friday, 21 June 2013

Source: Michael Oti Adjei

FIFA U-20 World Cup Starts Today

Satellites begin campaign against France at 16:00GMT
The FIFA U-20 World Cup starts on Friday in Turkey, with the Ghana U-20 national team facing tough games.
Group A is seen as the toughest, since it features Spain, the U.S., France and Ghana, all of which are capable of going far in the tournament.
Ghana are back at the Under-20 World Cup four years after their remarkable triumph in Egypt at the expense of Brazil.

After that penalty win that gave the Black Satellites Africa's first title at this level, Ghana has struggled and failed to qualify for the 2011 edition.
All that has changed since the return of Sellas Tetteh, the man who masterminded that famous victory in Cairo four years ago.

Tetteh led Ghana to the runners-up spot at the African under-20 event and heads to Turkey determined to do as well as they did four years ago.
"We have always aimed very high", Tetteh says.
"It helps that I have been here before and know exactly what is expected of us.
"We are in a tough group with Spain, France and USA but I am sure they also understand we will be good competition too."
While the Satellites will be desperate to win the tournament it is also a chance for the next generation of youngsters to make their mark.
Over the years stars like Samuel Osei Kufour, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Derek Boateng, John Mensah and Dede Ayew have all played at the tournament.
Tetteh is convinced he has future stars in his current set up too. including Inter Milan's Alfred Duncan, Baba Abdul Rahman a left back from Greuther Furth in Germany and Richmond Boakye Yiadom, the Juventus striker who spent last season on loan at Sassulo.
Rahman and Yiadom already have full international caps for Ghana. The coach's task will be to ensure these Europe-based players gel well with his team of determined youngsters who ply their trade in Ghana.

Ghana’s Complete squad

Goalkeepers: Eric Ofori Antwi, Felix Annan, Michael Sai
Defenders:: Richmond Nketiah, Jeremiah Arkorful, Lawrence Lartey, Ahmed Adams , Ofori Ebenezer, Baba Mensah
Midfielders: Seidu Salifu, Derrick Mensah, Michael Anaba, Clifford Aboagye, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Moses Odjer, Frank Sarfo-Gyamfi, Kwame Boahene, Jacob Asiedu-Apau
Strikers Kennedy Ashia, Ebenezer Assifuah, Francis Narh

Ghana at the U-20 World cup

1993 - Runners-up
1997 - Fourth place
1999 - Quarter-finals
2001 - Runners-up
2009 - Winners