2017 FIFA U17 WC: Ghana Preview – Two-time winners in the hunt to bring back the golden days
THE GHANA U-17 national team is also known as The Black Starlets, will be playing in their ninth U-17 World Cup.
History
The Starlets were a formidable force in the junior-most edition of the World Cup in the 90s. Being part of the World Cup for the first time in 1989, the team made sure the next five consecutive appearances ended in ensuring Ghana had a medal at least; including two World Cup wins and two runners-up finishes. That remained to be the best run of form for the Starlets.
After 1999, Ghana's best finish has been fourth place in the South Korea 2007. Apart from that, Ghana have qualified for the World Cup just twice in eight attempts.
Pic courtesy: Ghana Football Association
Qualification
From May 14 to 28 this year in Gabon, the CAF held the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations where the top four finishing teams would secure a place in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Among the eight nations participating, Ghana finished in second place, losing to Mali in the final.
On road to the final, Ghana scored 9 goals and conceded none to top Group A. In the semi-final, Ghana defeated Niger on penalties. By reaching the semi-finals, Ghana became the first African nation to qualify for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Player(s) to watch out
Eric Ayiah scored the most goals for Ghana in the 2017 African Cup of Nations. His four goals helped Ghana reach the finals. Playing as a striker, he's got quick feet while on the ball. Ayiah has worn the captain's armband on many occasions and will be vital to the team in the upcoming World Cup.
2017 World Cup – India
Ghana are placed in Group A and will play Columbia on the first day of the tournament. The other nations in the group are hosts India and United States of America.
Style
Ghana possess great deal of physical strength and pace. The African nation could certainly find the hot and humid conditions of India as no hindrance to their game.
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