Mahatma Otoo believes Ghana can reach the semi-finals of the African Youth Championship today when they play their final group game.
The Black Satellites must win against Cameroon and hope that the other result in the group goes their way to possibly qualify for the last four of the competition and a 2011 Fifa Under-20 World Cup place.
With just a point from two games, Ghana, the defending champions are in a dire situation to save their campaign in South Africa.
Playing against Cameroon, who have already booked their place in the next round would be a tough match but Mahatma is very much convinced they can qualify on the final day of Group B games.
The captain says the Black Satellites need to be composed but confident and with a little bit of luck, they can turn the corner.
“We came into the game [1-1 draw with Gambia] very determined to win which would had enhanced our possibilities of qualifying to the next stage but it did not happen and we drew but still the hopes are high. If we manage at least two unanswered goals again Cameroon and the result in the other game go in our favour we may qualify," the Black Satellites captain said.
“Luck is one of the things in football but when you are not lucky you cannot make it in football. We were hitting targets in Thursday’s game but still the ball will simply not enter the net and I think that was the main reason why we drew.”
“Looking at our team so far, we have created more chances than any team so with the calibre of players we have we can carry the day with the favour of God on us.
“We have been training hard, praying hard and doing all our home work well and try our maximum best to hit the target in all matches but it is certain that luck has eluded us but we will keep our fingers crossed and keep creating the chances and hopefully God will be on our side this time round.”
Mahatma adds that they are very determined to continue their push for a last-four place as they hope the other result proves crucial.
“We are still hopeful of qualifying because Gambia will go all out against Nigeria since they also have a realistic chance of qualifying. They won’t let the Nigerians run over them so we also have to concentrate on our game and get at least two goals so we can make it to the next stage.”
The last four of the African Youth Championship secure places at the 2011 Fifa Under-20 World Cup.