African Games: Fans should expect an exciting final against Uganda - Coach Desmond Ofei
Black Satellites Head Coach Desmond Ofei has called on football fans to throng the Accra Sports Stadium as the team takes on Uganda in what promises to be an exciting final of the African Games Men’s football competition.
The Black Satellites who won 1-0 over Senegal in the semis, are poised to end the competition on a high by beating Uganda in the final for Gold in the competition.
Speaking at the pre- match press conference on Thursday, Coach Ofei stated that Ghana respects the impressive performance of Uganda in the tournament, the Black Satellites have what it takes to emerge victorious in Friday’s final match.
“The boys are in good spirits and we have been ready from the start of the tournament.”
“We had to work really hard to get to the final but a final is a final. We’ve done all our home work and the final will be exciting for everybody especially the fans.”
“Ghanaians are very proud and respectful people and that must also reflect in our football as well because football is entertainment.”
“For us to entertain we have to keep control on the ball and over the game. Ad thats our DNA we have to control the ball and have a good build up instead of long balls to find the space that we want”
“The boys will showcase something special in the final. We are ready, i’m excited and i hope the fans are also excited.”
“We have to respect the opponent and Uganda is a good footballing side full of incredible talents especially in the attacking phase. We are not going to change anything. We know their strengths and their weaknesses. “
“We have a team that can adapt to any playing style. We are happy with our squad and we can face Uganda anyway they come, Coach Desmond Ofei said at the pre- match Press conference.
The Ghana U20 trainer also thanked his back room staff for their support in preparing the team for the tournament.
“I want to thank my incredible technical team and supporting staff behind the players. With the likes of Nii Odartey Lamptey, Salifu Fatawu, Isaac Amoako and the medical team. It will not be my victory but a victory for the boys and the staff that support the boys daily”, he stated.
On the game-plan, the Ghana trainer said his team has enough quality to adapt to any strategy that the Ugandans will deploy.
“I see football differently and i call it action and reaction. How you approach a game will demand a reaction from the opponent. Its obvious that our wingers are very efficient and thats because they are good players. We have our own game plan and how we want the game to develop so that the wingers can be more efficient”.
“Even the best coaches depend on the quality of their players. I have to applaud the boys, theyve been listening and they have been growing. They have been working really hard. We will give everything for the nation. We will fight and i think it time that we win a title for Ghanaians. It will be a fantastic start for the boys because i think they deserve it”
“We are expecting a full stadium filled with love. A final should be a festival and we will bring the party to the pitch and hopefully the fans will join us. We love them and we want to make them happy. We will do our best to create an incredible night of football on Friday”.
The final match of the men’s competition will kick off at 8:00pm on Friday, March 22 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Watch the pre-match Press conference here: