Popular quotes from Ismailia

From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent, Egypt (Courtesy, Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Ismailia, Sept. 28, GNA - Ghana on Saturday left it late to turn a tough around a game against a supposed Asian "minnows" in a duel that almost broke the Black Satellites group stage clean record in the history of the competition.

Sellas Tetteh, Ghana coach: "It was a very difficult game, but first matches are always like that. We put in everything to win and though am not satisfied with the first half performance. the goal served as a wake-up call for us. It is a good lesson. Now with two more games to play in this group, we can't afford to only start playing after going a goal behind."

Akhmad Ubaydullaev, Uzbekistan coach:

Our defence made mistakes and that cost us the game. After we went behind, we tried to alter our tactics by playing more offensively but Ghana are a very strong team - and they are more experienced and that was telling tonight. Maybe their quality is a little bit better than us. We're just disappointed that we lost.

Jonathan Mensah, Ghana defender:

It was a tough match, particularly in the first half and we didn't play well, but we took control in the second half. Against England it's going to be tough, but I'm sure we'll play better than we did tonight. Over the next few days, we've got to work on correcting the mistakes we made.

David Addy, Ghana's Defender:

It was a very hard match and Uzbekistan's national team are very strong, but we could have done better than we've done.

Andre Ayew, Captain:

First games are often difficult but we're are lucky to have players like Rabiu Mohammed, Samuel Inkoom who plays first with very good teams and their experience helped us a lot today. Together we fought very well and I know we will improve as the competition progresses.

Ransford Osei, Striker, Ghana:

Right on our minds today was to win the day and we know it will be very difficult. We are very proud because we pushed ourselves and fought so hard to win. We expect the rest of the games to be difficult and am very glad I scored today. My aim is to get Ghanaians to smile by scoring and the goal today has helped me to relax a great deal. I will go into that game with my perpetual optimism.