2017 FIFA U-17 WC: Agyemang Badu Lauds Black Starlets; Urges Team To Focus Ahead Of Mali Clash

Energetic Black Stars midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has heaped praises on the Black Starlets for their stunning performance against Niger, crashing them out of the ongoing competition in their round of 16 clash in India and have called on the team to be on guard ahead of the Mali clash on Saturday.

Charity Stars attacker, Eric Ayiah converted a penalty to put Ghana in the 45th minute before the end of the first half before substitute Richard Danso blasted a thunderous finish to seal a 2-0 win for the Starlets over their Nigerien counterparts.

Paa Kwesi Fabin and his boys will play Africa champions, Mali on Saturday in the quarterfinals in the ongoing tournament in India.

But the former Asante Kotoko midfielder after hailing the side for the win over Niger has called for focus and support from the country to aid the U17 side to defeat Mali.

"That was a superb performance from the players. They fought and deserved the win, " Badu told Ghanasoccernet.com

"It's going to be very difficult against Mali but we need to keep focus and defeat them. If you want to be the best, you need to beat the best," he added.

"Despite losing on two occasions to Mali, we are capable of defeating them and must keep our focus to be able to defeat them. I wish them good luck in the next game," he concluded.

Agyemang Badu is greatly remembered for his last spot-kick that earned Ghana the first ever U-20 World Cup title by an African country.