Satellites return home heroes

Ghana’s Under 20 side will return home to a hero's reception despite yesterday's 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the World Youth Championship final. A source from the Ghana Football Association hinted on Monday that President John Kufour will host the players to personally thank them for doing the continent proud.

The Black Satellites' dream of clinching the World Youth trophy was scuppered for the second time by hosts Argentina, who crushed them 3-0 on Sunday to lift the trophy for the fourth time - eight years ago, the Ghanaians were narrowly beaten in the final by Brazil.

This time however, before a 40,000 crowd at the Sarfield stadium, they conceded two goals in the first quarter of an hour and settled for the silver medals after the hosts crashed in a third in the second half, but the setback would not deter the country from showing its appreciation to the brave boys. "The President is happy with the team and has indicated his readiness to host them when they come back. They might have lost the final but they put up a brave fight and the nation is grateful top them," said the source who wished to remain anonymous.

The President had sent a message to the boys before the final urging them to fight like trojans to bring the silver trophy to Africa but Argentina, before their own fans, were absolutely unstoppable on the day and thoroughly deserved their victory.