Baba Mensah relishes next season's Europa League campaign with Ilves

Ghanaian defender Baba Mensah has expressed his delight at helping Ilves qualify to next season's Europa League.

The 23-year old guardsman joined Ilves in the second half of the Finnish Veikkausliiga season from Ghanaian outfit Inter Allies.

Mensah instantly became a key player for the side, and helped the side finish 3rd spot, which automatically qualifies them to next season's Europa League qualifying round.

"It feels great. This will be the second time I will be playing in the Europa League - I first had a taste of it when I was with Hacken BK in Sweden but unfortunately for us we didn't get far in the competition," Mensah told GHANASoccernet.com.

"But this being Ilves first qualification for the competition in 30 years makes it even more special. It felt like a dream come true for the whole squad, and it will be a big opportunity for me to showcase my talent for the whole world, so the feeling is much great."

Mensah won two man-of-the-match awards in 15 outings, keeping a record of 14 clean sheets.