Ghana Winger Hakim Sulemana has expressed deep disappointment following the Black Satellites’ failure to secure a spot at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
On Monday, May 12, Ghana bowed out of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Egypt.
The quarterfinal clash at the New Suez Stadium ended 2-2 after extra time, forcing the game into penalties where the North Africans emerged victorious.
Sulemana, who was named Man of the Match for the second time in the tournament, admitted the loss was difficult to accept, especially given the team’s spirited comeback from a two-goal deficit.
“I think we came all out. It’s always hard when you are 2-0 down and then coming up. We gave all our hearts, and that’s where we wanted to get the win, but unfortunately, we didn’t have luck on our side. We tried our best, that’s what matters,” Sulemana said.
He added that the team’s primary goal was to qualify for the World Cup and ultimately challenge for the AFCON title.
“The aim was to qualify for the World Cup, and after qualifying, we get to win the trophy, but unfortunately, of course, we are not happy. We are out at the quarterfinals. We are not happy at all.”
Ghana had been aiming to return to the U-20 World Cup for the first time since 2015. The next edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place later this year in Chile.
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