U17 World Cup: Ghana vs India - What can we expect from the Black Cats?

When India take on Ghana on October 12, a match which could very well bring down the curtains on its participation in the FIFA U17 World Cup, they will face an opponent who will have been hurting after their loss to the USA by a solitary goal.

For much of that match, Ghana were in the ascendancy but it was their final ball or end product which let them down constantly.

Led by their talismanic front man Eric Ayiah, the Black Cats arrived in India with a lot of expectations.

Coach Fabin Samuel remarked that his team were still the leaders in African football in his first press conference before the kick-off to the World Cup.

That tag is very much warranted for Ghana who were impressive on the opening night against Colombia but once again their poor form in the final third meant they could only stick one goal past the Latin Americans for all their domination.

They were inflicted by the same plague in their loss against the USA and will be hoping to turn up with their scoring boots when they take on hosts India.

Despite Ayiah attracting all the attention in the build up to the tournament, it is right winger Sadiq Ibrahim who has shone the brightest for the Black Cats in the World Cup.

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The winger has been a constant threat down the right wing with his quick feet and dribbling abilities. On the right-flank, Aminu Mohammed has been lively himself but just like Ayiah, he has been lacking with the final ball.

The Ghana midfield has a solid physical presence about it with Toku Emmanuel’s and Kudos Mohammed’s imposing figures marauding through the centre.

In defence, skipper Gideon Mensah has been a rock while goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad continues to show why he is so highly rated.

Defender Abdul Yusif has recently recovered from the knock to the head which he received against the USA but is likely to remain out of the tie with India.

Fabin was despondent at his side’s missed chances in the last game and wowed to get it right against India.

“We have to beat India and qualify. Now it’s critical that we need to win to get the qualification ticket. We will work more on goal scoring. We create opportunities but don’t take them. Once we get it right, the goals will flow,” he said.

If Ghana do get it right, India could be in for a long night as the side has clearly looked the superior team in both their encounters. They have flattered to deceive so far though so one never knows which Black Cats will turn up on the night.