Satellites banking on ‘home’ support to beat Chile
Ahead of tomorrow’s quarterfinal showdown with Chile, Coach Sellas Tetteh is banking on the strong support of local Istanbul fans which, he says, has been the driving force behind the Black Satellites’ two-piece magic they conjured to survive the turbulence of the ongoing FIFA U-20 Championship in Turkey.
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Until their departure from Kayseri, the Ghanaians enjoyed great support from the local fans who have often unleashed their vocal energy either in support of the Satellites or against referees decisions that went against the Ghanaians, particularly in the two games played at the Kadir
Has Stadium in Kayseri, the venue that gave impetus to the Satellites’ revival story. The Satellites won two crucial matches against the USA and Portugal which gave them the ticket to Sunday's quarter-finals.
Indeed the mayor of Kayseri, who on tow occasions met officials of the Satellites, was instrumental in rallying support by locals for Satellites in their last two games. The mayor mobilised local fans and paid for their entry into the stadium to cheer Ghana to victory over USA and Portugal.
Coach Tetteh, in paying tribute to Kayseri fans, stated that the Satellites' winning spirit would be enhanced if the team received similar support from Istanbul fans, who though backed Ghana in their first two matches against France and Spain, were not as passionate in their support as fans in Kayseri.
"I cannot forget the support we received at Kayseri, it was passionate and if we get such support we will make it tomorrow," he told the Daily Graphic after yesterday’s training session.
For the many keen followers of the tournament, the Satellites’ progress to the semi-finals looks inevitable after tomorrow’s clash against Chile in Istanbul. The Chileans have surprised many here with their survival instincts and were responsible for the exit of Croatia from the competition.
But many, like Luis Nino, a broadcast journalist from Portugal National Television, insist Chile’s march will come to an end tomorrow against the more formidable Ghanaian side which boasts talented and experienced players.
“I think Chile has been playing some weak teams and they will get their match on Sunday when they play the Ghanaians who have been champions before, in fact not quite long ago,” Nino said.
But the Black Satellites are not amused by the underdog status of their opponents who have a versatile character like Nicolas Castillo who surely will lead the assault against the Satellites.
Both Ghanaian players and officials are aware the Chileans were responsible for the absence of the dreaded Brazil and are capable of causing a major upset tomorrow at their expense.
The determination to avoid such an upset was written boldly on the faces of Coach Tetteh, his technical assistants and the players at yesterday's workout which saw the team engage in shooting and penalty drills.
Story: Andy Quao