Zumdick assures of improvement

Ghanaian Under-23 team coach Ralf Zumdick had attributed the team’s goaless draw with their Algerian counterpart at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar to lack of exposure for the players.

Zumdick, who spoke shortly after the match, said all the players in the team were drawn from the local clubsides in Ghana, adding that none of them had had exposure or international experience.

He said despite lack of exposure, the teams (Algeria and Ghana) show good promises, explaining that in subsequent matches his team will improve.

“It was a good start, there was that determination and team work among my boys,” the German-born Ghanaian coach declared.

The Ghanaian captain, Yussuf Chibsah commenting on their next match with Cameroun Under-23 that defeated the Egyptian team 3-1, said although it will be a tough match they were prepared to confront the Cameroun team.

“We are determined to confront Cameroun, they are a good team but we shall confront them.

The Algerian coach, Ait Mohammed Rachid disclosed that his players were assembled from the local league, expressing optimism that they will improve in subsequent matches.

On the Cameroun/Egypt encounter, the Egyptian coach, Sharky Gharib attributed transportation stress to the 1-3 defeat by the Cameroun team.

Gharib explained that his boys were suffering from fatigue adding that they had used their first match to study the game.

The coach also complained of poor officiating as he said the central referee refused the team making changes even when they still had the opportunity as specified by FIFA.

He maintained that the first match is every encounter was always difficult and teams improve as matches progressed.