Sellas hopeful of Satellites success

Sellas Tetteh has called on his Black Satellites to repeat the form of their continental title success when the FIFA U-20 World Cup begins in September following Sunday’s draw of teams.

Ghana, not seeded, take their place in Group D alongside, England, Uzbekistan and Uruguay after the weekend’s draw grouped all 24 sides into six groups of four.


The Black Satellites coach having led Ghana to the African Championship in February 2009 has refused to acknowledge his side as one of the favourites to qualify from Group D.


Sellas, though, knows the job is only half done and that his young team must retain focus all through the group stages if they are to progress.


“We had a tough one. At least we are equal to the task. Such teams bring out the best out of our team. We would have to work hard, do a good scouting on our opponents, get our preparations going and play with determination.


“It’s not an easy group. We have some few months to work but we would make up for it.


“We don’t have to make silly mistakes,” he told www.ghanafa.org after the draw was made.

Despite his men going into the competition as African Champions, Sellas doesn't see England as Ghana's biggest threat but anticipates tough clashes with all three group members.


“England is an experienced side. They have quality and have a competition, that’s the Euro Championship coming up in June so they would be playing with all seriousness to get their team ready.


“Stuart Pearce is a strong and consistent character and he has a good squad who have been playing in the premiership regularly.


“We can’t underrate Uruguay. They have been consistent in youth football and that it tells you the importance they attach to their sides.


“Uzbekistan are also there in the group. We can’t take anything away from them though they don’t have the same hype that comes with the England side. But we find ourselves in the group of death, I can say.


“All sides would be tough,” he says.

The Black Satellites will be based Ismailia where five of the six group matches will be played.


Ghana, two-time silver medallist at the world event will open their campaign with Uzbekistan in the opening game on September 26.


England will be Ghana’s second game opponents on September 29 with the final group game against Uruguay on October 2.


Africa has five representatives – Ghana, hosts Egypt, Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria - at the tournament which kicks off on 24 September and ends on October 16 in Cairo.


All five teams from the continent will be bidding to become the first African winners of the tournament in its 32 year history.