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Big salute for the gallant boys
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Even though they left the shores of Ghana as sub-regional champions, only a few could think about them screeching a notch further to conquer Africa.
No! This was not the ideal generation of Black Satellites that many could muster the courage to favour for a major continental glory.
But why was the team not given a dog’s chance? Why did we play down on their capabilities? Why were they seen as potential failure into a youth tournament they had subdued on three previous occasions? These were some of the $64,000-dollar questions that flooded the minds of many followers of the African game.
Reason for the dearth of trust was intriguingly varied.
Some argued that this Satellites team do not play the ‘sexy-like’ champagne football that drew prettily romantic patterns on the pitch; whilst others assert among other things that they were goal-shy and do not get famished enough for the kill.
Many other worse things were said about the Satellites – and to some extent the ‘sweat merchant’ of the team – Abdul Karim Zito, whose tactical acumen was brought into question by the cavillers during the successful sub-regional tournament held in Benin.
But there were positives about the team which many did not know – or may not have taken notice of.
What was, perhaps, limpidly evident was the fact that the present Satellites were not as flamboyant in terms of skill and flair as their predecessors of 2009 led by Andre Dede Ayew. Heartily, they make up for that deficiency with individual brilliance, plenty of fighting spirit – a never-giving-up spirit, a spirit that is ready to die on the battlefield rather than surrender!
And, that patently manifested in the just-ended tournament in Mauritania, where they went, saw and conquered to the amazement of all. It was the nation’s fourth conquest at the youth level, following victories in 1993, 1999 and 2009.
However, the stunningly sweet aspect of the Mauritania 2021 victory was not the defeat of Cameroon at the quarter final stage on penalties – nor the 2-0 win over Uganda’s Hippos at the grand final; it was rather the triumph over Gambia’s Young Scorpions at the semi-finals.
As you are already aware, the Satellites were forced to finish as third-best placed team in Group C, after losing 1-2 to Gambia in the final group game. Though not all-too unexpected, it still came as shock to many – the Ghanaians having thundered Tanzania 4-0 before holding off an imposing Morocco side to a barren game.
A good team is seen in its supreme ability to resurrect from ashes to victory. To lose to a team at the group stage and bounce back to serve revenge cold, is simply a mark of greatness!
It is a shame to think that this doughty-charactered team of purpose would not have the opportunity to represent Ghana at the global stage, due to the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic that has led to the cancellation of the tournament.
We would have loved to see whether these generation could clinch Ghana its second FIFA Under-20 World Cup, after the historic feat was chalked by Dede Ayew and his boys in Egypt, 2009. Significantly, Ghana remains the only African country to have won this world title.
Whilst we commend the Satellites, its handlers and the management team for the success story, we urge them not to rest on their oars but use this achievement as springboard to a much bigger feat in the future.
Ghana will be hosting the 2023 multi-sport African Games and it is expected that the Daniel Barnieh Afriyie-led Satellites team would form the fulcrum of our football representatives.
Once again, we salute our gallant heroes. Big salute for them!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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