16 September, 2017
"The WAFU Cup may not have generated excitement like the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) but it will nonetheless be nice if they took it more seriously".
Coach of the home-based Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf, has expressed optimism in the chances of the WAFU team in qualifying for the semifinals of the competition despite their 1-1 draw against Mali in Cape Coast Ghana on Thursday evening.
After a shambolic outing against Gambia in the preliminary round, the Black Stars defeated Syli National 2-0 thanks to goals from Stephen Sarfo and substitute Kwame Kizito, while Abbey was named Man of the Match.
"We spoke to the players one-on-one before the match and did a lot of practice with them, especially those who were playing in unfamiliar positions and they perfectly executed the game plan".
"Yes the fans came, the pressure was there, but it was different". We know we are in the group stage now.
Then, Against the run of play, Kone and Konte both missed glorious chances within a minute of each other to put Mali ahead.
"Talking of winning the tournament at this time, I think it's early days yet".
Ghana top Group A with three points, two points above Nigeria and Mali after the two countries shared the spoils goalless in their opening game.
The Black Stars finished the stronger of the two sides and came within inches of taking the lead in the 39th minute when Felix Addo dribbled his way into a good area, but his stinging pile-driver struck the outside of the post.
