U-20 AFCON: Complacency no option for Ghana – Ofei

Photo Credit – Ghana Football Association.

Ghana U-20 head coach Desmond Ofei has urged his team to avoid being complacent ahead of their final Group C game of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations against Central African Republic on Thursday, May 8.

The Black Satellites started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before managing to squeeze out a 1-0 victory against defending champions Senegal in the second group fixture at the Suez Canal Stadium.

The two results earned the 2009 FIFA World Cup winners four points, equal to DR Congo, who pummeled Central African Republic by 3-1 in their second game.

The Black Satellites need at least a draw against Central African Republic in Ismailia to progress to the last eight teams.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ofei said, “We need a good result to guarantee qualification. This is like a final for us, and we are treating it with the urgency it deserves.

“We can’t afford to be complacent against a hardworking side like CAR. They’ve shown they can hurt teams, so we must remain focused and composed. Our team is prepared. We’ve worked on our plan, and now it’s about delivering on the pitch.”

Black Satellites goalkeeper Gidios Aseako has expressed his side’s desire to finish top of Group C.

“The experience in Egypt has been good,” said the Dreams FC player. “We have to win and top the group. The mentality of the team is strong, and we are determined to win tomorrow and go all the way,” he added.

The Black Satellites are currently second in Group C with four points and will need at least a draw to stay in contention for a place in the knockout stages.