Ghana has reached the semi-finals of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after beating Cameroon 4-2 on penalties (1-1). The highly competitive game ended goalless at full time with the two sides scoring a goal apiece after extra time.

Kevin Prince Milla broke the deadlock at the 103rd minute before Frank Boateng quickly equalized to bring the Black Satellites back into the game.

Ghana converted all four penalty kicks while Cameroon missed two to see the Black Satellites off to the semis.

Ghana’s defense was resolute throughout the game and coach Abdul Karim Zito says his boys exhibited mental toughness to win today’s match.

Zito says, his team came into the game with only one objective, to win the match and sail through to the semis.

“We came into this game with the mental attitude to win. They won all their group matches so it was a tough challenge but today we are happy to beat them and qualify to the next stage.”

“It’s a big achievement to meet Cameroon and beat them. The most important thing for now is that we have qualified to the semis. Am happy we have been able to qualify to the semis”, the Black Satellites head coach stated at the post match press conference.

On what how he motivated the players ahead of the game, Coach Zito revealed that he psyched his boys to play and qualify with the hope that FIFA would change its decision to stage the U20 World Cup.

“I told my boys Fifa can change the decision not to play the World Cup so they should just qualify and we will see what will happen”, he said.

The Black Satellites triumphed in Benin through penalty shootouts and Coach Zito praised his for once again emerging as winners through penalties.

“I congratulate Cameroon because they fought a good fight but there’s always an element of luck in the game

“People have always said that Ghana wasn’t good with penalties but we did it in Benin and we have done it again today”, the coach reiterated.

Ghana’s semi-finals game is scheduled for Monday March 1 which the opponents yet to be known after tomorrow’s round of matches.

Soka25east.com