Despite seeing his Black Satellites team fall in a friendly test, Sellas Tetteh insists the national Under-20 team has the strength to qualify for African Youth Championship.
Qualification to the Championship is undeniably Ghana’s priority having reached the final round qualifying stage as the Black Satellites get ready to play the Gambia on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.
The Black Satellites have played 19 test matches, won 16, drawn two and lost a game which happened against a strengthened Accra Hearts of Oak side preparing for the domestic league.
Sellas Tetteh played that game in a bid to keep his players, all locally-based, ready for the big game on Sunday against Gambia as he awaits the full component of the squad this week with the exception of Andre Ayew, whose club, Lorient have refused to release him for the game.
The inclusion of Rabiu Mohammed, Ransford Osei and Sadick Adams – who is expected on Thursday – would present Sellas’ with more options upfront.
Sellas Tetteh said: “It was a great game (match against Hearts) and I am happy with the way it went. It presented us with an insight about our preparations so far. Mind you, Hearts of Oak are a top side.
“The player showed their strength and I liked the way they gave everything. I expect that sort of commitment and even more on Sunday.
“The result was no way a setback but a reawakening call for us to step up.”
The arrival of the foreign-based players adds some extra to the team but Sellas says they don’t have wild cards to guarantee them starting places.
“Just like everyone, they would have to compete for places in the team. The team needs the best and only the best players would be assured of places in the starting team.
“It’s the final round and we have to make sure we secure a good result in the first leg.
“I expect my team to play well and deliver.”
Africa’s qualifying series has now been narrowed down to 14 sides after July’s first round of qualifiers.
Seven teams would qualify over a two-leg fixture for the Championship to be hosted by Rwanda in 2009.
Ghana reached the final round stage of the qualifiers after managing a 5-2 aggregate win over Angola.