Ghana's U-15s won eight of 10 games and scored 44 goals in Azerbaijan, and coach Fatawu Salifu says the result shows the talent coming through.
Ghana's next generation just put the football world on notice. The Black Comets finished seventh at the first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, a strong sign for the pipeline feeding the Black Stars.
The numbers show a team that played with real attacking intent. Ghana won eight of their 10 matches and scored 44 goals, enough to place them in the tournament's top eight. Only Spain, Czechia, Greece, Paraguay, Brazil and fellow African side Guinea finished ahead, with Spain taking the overall title.
Coach Fatawu Salifu admitted the group came hoping to lift the trophy, but he said he is thrilled with what the boys delivered. Preparation back home was limited, he explained, so he felt the result was worth celebrating given the circumstances.
Salifu also praised the young players for handling the pace and physical demands of a tournament that was new to everyone. In his view, adapting that quickly against top opposition and putting Ghana among the leading nations is a job well done.
With better preparation, this group could go even further. For now, a seventh-place finish and 44 goals give Ghanaian football plenty to be excited about.
