New Delhi: Rank outsiders India ended their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign in agony as they were handed a 0-4 thrashing by two-time champions Ghana in their final Group A game here Thursday. Like in the previous two games, the Indian juniors played their hearts out, but Ghana were different kettle of fish altogether in comparison to the USA and Colombia.
Captain Eric Ayiah scored twice – in the 43rd and 52nd minutes – while second half substitutes Richard Danso (86th) and Emmanuel Toku (87th) struck once each to break the hearts of the 52,614 home supporters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.
With Colombia beating the USA 3-1 in the other Group A game in Mumbai, it was Ghana who topped the group. Colombia also qualified in the round of 16 as they finished second. USA had to be content with the third place.
India’s chief coach Luis Norton de Matos was honest in his admission that the gulf between India and Ghana was too big and the result was on the expected lines.
“After two hard games, it was complicated to play a side like Ghana. African teams at this age-group are very tough. Ghana was the toughest team we faced,” Matos said after the match.
“We were physically exhausted by the first 45 minutes. There was no energy left in the boys to match the pace of Ghana in the second half. The difference in the two sides was too vast,” the coach added honestly.
The two key Ghana players Sadiq Ibrahim and Bismark Owusu – functioning on the left and right wing tormented the Indians time and again with their speed and deft manoeuvres.
They took the lead when Ibrahim broke through the right. Indian goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh tried to collect the ball diving in front. However, the ball slipped out and Ayaih was there to fire home with a bullet right-footer. He increased the lead with another powerful shot early into the second half. The tournament by then was as good as over for the hosts.
Press Trust of India
