"We have the edge against Ghana" - Coach

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

ISMAILIA, Oct. 5, GNA - South Africa's deputy coach, Maqsood Chenia say the Amajita's has an edge over Ghana's Satellites when both sides meet at the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup underway in Egypt at the Ismailia Stadium on Tuesday.

Both team's are meeting for the third time in ten months with Ghana winning the first at the African Championship in Rwanda and the Amajita revenging in Accra months later in a friendly and when they meet on Tuesday, the stakes will even be higher but Coach Chenia says there will be nothing like a physical game but a skilful game that will see his charges prevail.

He told GNA Sports that "it is always uncomfortable playing against Ghana since the Satellites play with good spirit and have an experienced team but one thing that is for sure is that we have an edge over them." Coach Chenia claimed the Amajita's who relied on a lucky third finish to merit a place in this round are peaking at the right time and will exploit Ghana's loop holes to win the game which he says will be a great breakthrough for the Southern Africans.

The South African's are jubilant about the fact that Ghana will be without Rabiu Mohammed who was red carded in the last game against Uruguay insisting "we know he was an integral part of the Ghana team and we know his worth. We will be without one player and knowing Ghana is without the midfielder is a balancing act for us."

The coach however underscores their respect for the Ghana team and says if they had a choice Ghana will have been their last pick for the next round.

"It is always uncomfortable playing Ghana who have so many experienced players and it is too early, too soon to engage Ghana at this stage."

While Ghana has played well to this point, South Africa have laboured and had to rely on a lucky third finish to merit a meeting with the Satellites at the knockout stage and almost seem to be peaking at the right time.

Ghana won 4-3 in Rwanda where they almost relinquished a four zero lead but hanged on and when South Africa came to Accra for a friendly, they swept the Satellites aside with 5-2 win and so at the Ismailia Stadium on Tuesday, the pundits believe Ghana will start as the favourites. 05 Oct. 09