Ghana rules the world, make history

  1. Posted on Saturday 17 October 2009 - 11:00
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    Hakeem Babalola, AfricaNews reporter in Budapest, Hungary Photo: FIFA.COM
    Ghana's under 20 national team, the Black Satellites, has made history by becoming the first ever African nation to win the U-20 Youth Soccer Championships when it defeated Brazil 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out on Friday night in a thrilling match the black Satellites played with ten men.
    Ghana U-20 team
    Of course, the credit goes to the Ghanaian boys whose determination and skills have broken the jinx of African teams losing in the finals of this glamorous youth tournament.

    It could be recalled that Ghana and Nigeria have reached the finals two times each in the previous tournaments only to lose to either European or South American teams, most especially Brazil, four-time winners. Nigeria lost to Portugal in 1989; Ghana to Brazil in 1993; Ghana to Argentina in 2001; and Nigeria to Brazil in 2005.

    Although the Samba boys seemed to be the better side in terms of having "more of the ball and creating clearest chances", the Black Satellites showed unparalleled resilience, especially when they were down with ten men as Defender Daniel Addo was shown the controversial red card in the 37 minutes.

    Up until the final whistle which includes the extra-time, the South American boys looked as if they were going to carry the day and thus lift the trophy for the fifth time. However, the African boys stood their ground even though it was obvious they were tired.

    "We fought like dogs to win it," said Andre Ayew, Ghana captain when talking to FIFA.com. "But we're world champions and all the tiredness goes away when you climb those steps to collect the goal medal.

    Spot kicks moment is always emotional and sometimes dramatic. It was both in this match as the two best teams met in the final. With Brazil leading 2-1 on penalties, Macion only needed to score to win the match for his team. But something extraordinary happened. The striker smashed the ball over the bar, giving Ghana the chance to recuperate.

    And when the golden boy with eight goals, Dominic Adiyiah, scored and Alex Teixeira missed, Emmanuel Agyemang- Badu must find the net in order to win the trophy for the first time and for Africa in general. The boy took his breath and so many Africans all over the world. Badu did not disappoint them.

    For the third place, Hungary defeated Costa Rica by 2-0 in another penalty shoot-out after 1-1 draw at the end of 120 minutes.

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