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13.10.2009 Football News

Ghana, Hungary Clash Today

By Daily Guide
Ransford OseiRansford Osei
13.10.2009 LISTEN

After their exploits in 1993 and 2001, the Black Satellites of Ghana would be seeking yet another grand finale in the Under-20 World Cup as they take on Hungary in the first semi final of the ongoing 2009 championship in Egypt.

However, they would have to brace up for the challenge and deal with the Eastern European champions who have been impressive in the tournament so far.  

Ghana would be hoping to become the first African nation to win the championship for the first time after twice being losing finalists to Brazil and Argentina in 1993 and 2001 in Australia and Argentina respectively.

Morale is said to be high in camp as the team is not taking any chances. This Cairo encounter would be the first between the two sides in any competitive football.

However, the Ghanaians would miss Free State Stars of South Africa's stalwart defender Jonathan Mensah on suspension; but would welcome attackers Abeiku Quansah and Opoku Agyemang. Hungary would also miss Vladimir Komen through suspension.

Both sides appear to have very strong attack as Ghana has so far scored 13 goals and conceded six whilst Hungary have also netted 11 and conceded seven, meaning Ghana has been a better side so far. But in football, especially in tournaments like this, anything can happen.

Coach Sellas Tetteh told the BBC that “the games are getting tougher, stronger, harder and fiercer. But we are ready for any opponents and we are going to do our best to overrun them.”

Hungary boast of Liverpool deadly striker Krisztian Nemeth who is on loan to Greek side AEK Athens and Ghana's defence, likely to be marshaled by Addo and Philip Boampong (who replaces Mensah), would have to deal with the menacing runs of the striker.

He played the full 120 minutes of their match against Italy, and still found the energy to make devastating runs through the defence to score twice at the end of extra-time.

They have twice gone to the extra time but eventually won against the Czech Republic and Italy.

By Charles Nixon Yeboah

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