U17 AFCON: Kurt Okraku rallies Black Starlets ahead of must-win South Africa clash

The GFA president addressed the players and technical team via Zoom on Tuesday evening after their final training session before the must-win encounter.

Okraku reminded the squad of the hard work and sacrifices made during preparations for the tournament and encouraged them not to lose belief despite their difficult start.

“My mission here is to remind all of us that after almost 12 months of preparations, travelling to several places in Ghana to play friendlies and travelling to Ivory Coast to play friendly matches, we are sitting at the bottom of the table after two rounds of games,” he said.

The Black Starlets are bottom of Group D with one point after drawing 2-2 with Algeria and losing 1-0 to Senegal. Victory against South Africa is needed to keep Ghana’s hopes of progressing to the next stage alive and maintain their chances of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Despite the situation, Okraku insisted he still has full confidence in the team.

“I believe in this team despite the two setbacks, and my answer will always be yes if I am asked whether this is a good team. This is the same belief all Ghanaians have in you,” he added.

He urged the players to rise to the occasion and make the country proud.

“I asked for this meeting just to remind you that Ghanaians believe in you, and we believe you will qualify. You have tomorrow to let the whole of Ghana talk about you,” he said.

Okraku ended his message with a direct challenge to the players ahead of the decisive fixture.

“Just go out there, play well, and win for Ghana.”

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet