fifa-u17-world-cup-2017

Updated: Oct 09, 2017 23:22 IST

Ghana may have lost 1-0 to the USA in their second Group A encounter of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, but the scoreline was not entirely reflective on just how dominant the Black Stars were throughout the game.

Ghana came close to scoring many times but the fact that they failed to take a single one of the chances they created was enough to see USA edge past them into the Round of 16.

Their lack of decisiveness in front of goal is something that Ghana coach Paa Kwesi Fabin said his side need to improve on before the final group game against India.

“We worked on goal scoring before this game. Maybe we need to work harder. We could have won the game by a wider margin,” said Fabin in the post-match press conference.

READ | India vs Colombia, FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, highlights: IND lose 1-2 to COL | Points table

“If you miss chances you will be punished and that was what happened to us today,” he added.

Fabin also believes they must work on their tactics before the next game. “We will prepare very hard for the game against India. This is a must-win game now.”

The coach also gave an update on Ghana defender Abdul Yusif, who had to be stretchered off the field after a nasty collision with USA’s Josh Sargent.

“Abdul Yusif has been sent to the hospital for a proper medical checkup. He had not regained consciousness when he was taken off.”

READ | Ghana vs USA, FIFA U-17 World Cup, highlights: USA beat GHA 1-0 | TUR v MLI scores

‘Played our natural game’

USA coach John Hackworth went into the game with a plan of keeping the ball and tiring Ghana out. Despite the fact that Colombia lost to Ghana when they employed the same strategy, Hackworth didn’t think his tactics were risky.

“I don’t think it’s risky to play possession. We normally play possession but the game was a back and forth one and Ghana played well too.”

Hackworth was also complimented forward Ayo Akinola, who came off the bench to score the winning goal. “I am proud of Ayo. He’s started almost every game for us before and he responded well coming off the bench today.”

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Akinola, who attended the post-match presser alongside his coach, was quick to state that he was happy to help his team in any way.

“I want to give my best, whether I start or come off the bench. We fought hard, so I’m glad we got 3 points.”

Having guided his side to the knockout round of the tournament, Hackworth also made it clear that his side don’t fear anyone.

“We believe we can compete against any team.”