Niger, a first-timer at the U-17 World Cup 2017, qualified for the round-of-16, with just one goal from three league games and conceding six along the way to Spain and Brazil. Its deficiencies in the back line were exposed by these two attacking rivals. “Every team coming to the World Cup wants to win and we think the same way,” said Niger coach Ismaila Teimoko.
Ghana is equipped with forwards and offensive midfielders who can punish overworked defenders and local rivalries will surface when two African nations meet on a FIFA stage at the D.Y. Patil stadium.
Teimoko said: “We lost two friendlies against Ghana before the African Cup. The experience helped us hold them 0-0 in the tournament and now when we meet, we hope after losses and a draw, this time the result will be a victory. It will be a tough game and mental rather than technical ability will decide.”
Familiar with Ghana’s game and reputation, there is no better stage for the Niger players than a FIFA competition pre-quarterfinal to showcase their individual brilliance.
Niger defeated Nigeria over two legs in the African U-17 qualifying round, survived here in India to go through and thus has little to lose against another powerful opponent.
Defender Rachid Soumana, contracted with Ghana club Tudu Mighty Jets FC, can make big career moves with a sterling show in a knockout game. “Rachid is a rate player, no one else plays for any club,” said the coach.
Nicknamed the ‘Black Starlets’, the Ghana team carries a nation’s hopes on its young shoulders, like the United States. Both the countries are experiencing a low after the seniors missed qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, leaving the federations looking at U-17 players to lay building blocks for the future.
Topping the Group A is of little value, as third-placed USA showed against Group B topper Paraguay to book a quarterfinal berth. “Winning all matches does not mean you underrate any team,” said coach Samuel Fabin.
Fabin stressed on the confidence seen in Niger after the African U-17 championships. “We played in Africa and won on penalties. They have the belief that they can overcome us. It will be tricky as we know each other so well.”
