Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Joseph Yammin, has backed the Black Satellites to advance from the group stages of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup despite the humiliating defeat suffered at the hands of the French in the opening round of matches.
The Satellites were given a battering as the French team skippered by Juventus star Paul Pogba and newly signed Arsenal star Sanogo took the side to the cleaners with a 3-1 thrashing despite a late consolation goal by striker Richmond Boakye-Yiadom salvaging some pride for the nation.
Minister Yammin who is in Turkey to support the lads is confident that the Satellites can surmount the opening day thrashing and make it all the way just as they did at the African championship.
he said: “I recall how we suffered at the hands of the Egyptians in Algeria in our first game, but still braved the odds to make it to the final against the same side in African Youth Championship earlier this year.
“I have not also forgotten the exploits of Argentina and Spain in Italia 90 and South African 2010 respectively where the two sides overcame opening day disappointments to advance further in both competitions.
“I do not think our boys are any different. They have done it before and I don’t see why they cannot repeat that feat.”
The Satellites must earn a result against the highly talented Spaniards, 4-1 victor’s against USA on matchday 1 to boost their chances of making it to the next stage of the competition.