FIFA U-17 World Cup: India far ahead in football infrastructure, says Ghana U-17 coach

Despite the win against the hosts, the Ghana coach feels the best is yet to come from his side.

In what was mostly a one-sided showdown, Ghana thrashed India 4 goals to nil and advanced to the knockout stages of FIFA U-17 World Cup. The visitors, Ghana, are now the group leaders with six points, followed by Colombia with only goal difference. With the advancement guaranteed, Fabin Samuel, the Ghana U-17 head coach talked to the reporters in a press conference on Thursday night in Delhi.

“I think so, I think we could have scored more,” said Samuel when asked about if he thinks his team could have performed better against the hosts. However, the Ghanaian coach sounded positive while talking about his side who he feels could help raising their current level in the near future.

“I think there is more room for improvement,” told Samuel to the reporters before continuing, “I’m happy with it (the win).”

Unlike their previous fixtures, Ghana was seen playing in a very unusually pacy game against the Indians. While asked about if the speed was the key against the hosts or was it a part of the strategy of the Ghanaians, the coach answered, “That was the plan to start on a very high note. Play fast-paced football.”

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The Ghana head coach was asked if the hosts posed any threat to his side at any point of the game, a question which he replied rather quickly, “To be frank, they didn’t pose any threat to our team. I don’t know why.”

Ghana made four changes in their starting XI from their previous match. When asked about the changes, the Samuel answered, “Like I said, there are equally good players in the team. I believed in every player I brought to this competition.”

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Following Ghana’s win against India, the coach was asked about the infrastructure of the visitors back home in their country. The answer was followed by a brief smile by the Ghana gaffer,”This is a dicey question for me. But I have to be honest, India is quite ahead of us in terms of playing fields and infrastructure.” “We cannot catch up with India. I think they are far ahead,” he further added.

The Ghanaian gaffer concluded the press conference on a much lighter note than his Indian counterpart. Talking about his fate if his side lost the game against India, Samuel said, “If we had lost against India I think I would have to apply for citizenship in India,” before continuing, “Thank god I am safe now in my country,” he concluded.