Former Ghana international Rahim Ayew has expressed support for the Black Satellites, despite their failure to qualify for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Ghana had high hopes of securing a place at the tournament, set to be held in Chile later this year. However, those hopes were dashed following a dramatic quarterfinal loss to Egypt at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
After a 2-2 draw in regulation time, the Black Satellites were edged out 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
While the defeat meant Ghana missed out on a World Cup spot, Ayew remains optimistic about the team’s progress and potential. He emphasised that reaching the quarterfinals was still a step forward.
“I’ll not say it’s a disappointment because it’s a process. In some time past, the team was not able to qualify, but this time around, they played in the quarterfinals, so I see that they have been able to achieve something,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
Reflecting on the changing landscape of youth football, Ayew added:
“Times have changed because, if you look at Andre Ayew’s era, they were playing at the top level, but it is not the same today. So I believe we should give this team some time and see what happens.
“I believe if we are able to keep it, they will be able to win something in the future for the country,” he added.
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