Coach Jimmy Cobblah Targets Medal In Niger, World Cup Spot

Jimmy Cobblah, head coach of the Black Satellites has vowed to lead his side to book a place at this year’s FIFA World Youth Championship in Poland when the team competes at the African Under-20 Championship in Niger next month.

Ghana have been paired against Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso in Group B at the continental competition which comes off from February 2 to 17.

Despite the stiff opposition they face in Niger, Cobblah believes that his team have the nerve to overpower all their opponents to book a place at the World Cup.

“We are on course because we have had enough preparation. We will surely qualify for the World Cup. I am very confident because every member of the team can play in more than two positions," he told Daily Graphic.

“So far, the team is taking shape and we believe it will be stronger with the inclusion of some foreign-based players such as goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nuredeen, Issahaku Konda and Kudos Mohammed who are excelling in their respective clubs abroad,” he added.

The former Inter Allies gaffer has named a 24-man squad which will be pruned to 21 for the continental competition.

“I have always had the 2009 U-20 World Cup victory by Ghana as my goal, and I hope we can emulate that feat.

“We are ever ready for the Africa Youth Championship; this is a stage that will ensure our qualification to the World Cup so we are not taking it for granted,” assured the Ghana coach.

In their build-up to the continental tournament, the Satellites engaged in friendly some matches, including 0-3 loss to Dreams FC and a 1-2 loss to Accra Hearts of Oak last Saturday.