Ethiopia 2001: West African Rivalry to Set Nations Cup Alight

Under-20 Nations Cup title holders, Ghana face their West African arch-rivals, Nigeria on Thursday in ? repeat of the final two years ago in Accra, where the Black Satellites lifted the trophy for the second time.

Ghana opened the defence of their title in group B on Monday with ? 1-0 win over Angola. Derrick Boateng, who plays in Greece for Panathinaikos scored the only goal late in the match. Nigeria were held to ? goalless draw by Mali in ? physically tough encounter.


? win for Ghana on Thursday will see the side almost certainly into the semi-finals and ? place at the World Cup in Argentina in June. Nigeria, who were kings at this level, need ? win in the group to stay in contention, but after failing to beat Mali in the first match, collecting the first three points from Ghana would be ? hard act.


Ghanaian coach Emmanuel Afranie wants to make few changes to his squad. He said all minors injuries have been treated except for latecomer, Michael Essien of Bastia, who will need more time to get used to the altitude.


Afranie's Nigerian counterpart Stephen Keshi says he has no idea what to expect from the Ghanaians and prefers to keep his strategy for the match ? secret.

"We'll see how it goes this game because I only saw Ghana play on Monday here," Keshi said. "Every game in this competition is tough so against the Ghanaians is no different it is the same three points we are after."


In the other group match, Angola will hope to stage ? comeback into the competition when they take on Mali. Both sides have ? lot to prove in Addis Ababa that they are among the best youth sides in the continent.


Angolan star striker, Mantorras was disappointing on the opening group game against Ghana, but coach Oliveira Goncalves said his side have other players that could revive their campaign to the World Cup in Argentina.


Mali came very close with chances against Nigeria including Koly Kante's effort in the first-half that hit the bar. Angolan keeper Joao Mamona has been brilliant in his first game and could be ready to stop the Malians. However, if Mali could repeat the same performance against the Flying Eagles, Angola will find it hard to keep their hopes alive.