Sellas Tetteh insists the Ghana U-20 national team must use their international friendly defeat to South Africa as a motivation to secure success.
Tetteh's side were unable to take advantage of playing at home at the Ohene Djan Stadium as the Amajita run away winners in the eight-goal thriller which ended 5-3 for the South Africans on Saturday.
“I was pleased with the reaction of the boys in the second half as they showed commitment and a desire to fight. That was a good response from them against a technically good side.
“But we made too many mistakes and had problems with our centre back pairing. We can only build on this. It was good to bring on new local players and try them. When they full squad assembles, we would be up there.
“The target is the World Championship, so we have to work towards that,” Ghana’s U-20 team coach, Sellas Tetteh said in a post match interview.
The South African side were not shaken by the home opposition as they knocked a locally-based Black Satellites team parading only two members of the team that won the African U-20 title in the starting team out of their stride right from the start of the game.
Sellas Tetteh's team methodically worked their way back into the game in the second half when they looked like sharing the spoils but were undone by poor defensive play.
Kermit Erasmus put South Africa ahead after four minutes before Thulani Hlatshanayo made it 2-0 in 18th minute.
Sadat Karim pulled one back for Ghana in the 21st minute as the game went into recess with South Africa leading 2-1.
Back from recess, Erasmus restored his side's two-goal lead after 69 minutes then four minutes later, the score line read 4-1 against Ghana when Amajita's captain Ramahlwe Mphalele scored from the spot.
The Black Satellites fought back and succeeded in reducing the deficit through Daniel Addo and Larbi Koomson in the 77th and 80th minutes to make it 4-3.
From there, an equalizer appeared in sight but Ghana’s hopes were dashed in the 84th minute when substitute Philane Khwela sealed victory for the Amajita as a Ghanaian defender failed to clear his lines.
The friendly formed part of preparations for both sides for the FIFA U-20 World Cup slated for Egypt later in September.
Ghana line up: Robert Dabou, Daniel Addo, Samuel Kyere, Alhassan Karim/Musah Inusah, James Bissue, Ekow Benson/Latifu Salifu, Gladson Awako, Larbi Koomson, Sadat Karim/Issac Donkor, Ghandy Kassenu
South Africa line up: Thela Ngobeni, Ramahlwe Mphalele, Njabulo Ntusi, Sibisiso KhiDumalo, Thulani Hlatshanayo, Andile Jali, Daylon Claasen, Thulane Serero/Philane Khwela, Mandla Masango, Sameechs Toufie, Kermit Erasmus/Thulani Ngcepe