Ghana U-17 coach: I believe we will beat Niger

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Oct 18, 2017. 14:30

Ghana U-17 coach Paa Kwesi Fabin has expressed confidence that his side will defeat Niger in their World Cup last 16 clash later today.

The Black Starlets will face the Young Menas at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, kick-off at 13h30 CAT.

Ghana were one of the more impressive teams in the pool stage, notably topping Group A head of Colombia and United States, while Niger only squeaked through as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing behind Brazil and Spain.

The teams have already met once this year, with the Black Starlets winning on penalties when the teams clashed in the semifinals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations back in May.

“Niger are a very determined side and looking at the matches they played in the group stage, it was an improved game as compared to their performance in the AFCON U-17 in Gabon,” said Fabin, as quoted by GhanaWeb.

“It won’t be an easy game on Wednesday at all for both sides, but we have prepared well to advance to the next stage.

“We are ready for the battle, we have prepared the boys psychologically and moreover this is a knock out stage so we are approaching the game with a winning mentality.

“In an association football anything at all can happen, but I believe we will beat Niger on Wednesday.

“In Gabon we wasted chances against them before winning on penalties, but I hope we will win in regulation time this time.

“Nobody should underestimate the Nigeriens, it will be a difficult game but hopefully we shall win.”

The winners will face Mali (who defeated Iraq 5-1 in their last 16 clash on Tuesday) in the quarterfinals on Saturday.