Sports

Danbort’s defensive stalwart sparkles for Satellites

The Black Satellites on Tuesday staged an emphatic start in the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania, white-washing Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Heroes 4-0 in their Group C opener at the Stade de Nouadhibou.

It was a huge Ghana performance characterised by a famished attacking intent and defensive solidity.

And, one of the young men who ensured that the Satellites rearguard was not breached on the enchanting afternoon, was Danbort FC’s centre-back – Nathaniel Adjei.

The tall, brawny and physically-endowed player was always quick to neutralise threats posed by the Tanzanians who, in spite of the result, gave a good account of themselves.

Adjei’s commanding aerial prowess in the box and all-round fighting spirit, was in full glow as he combined well with co-centre-back stout-hearted partner – Frank Assinki of Denmark’s first division side, HG Koge, to keep their opponents at bay.

A member of the Satellites team that won the WAFU Zone B Under-20 trophy in Benin ahead of the ongoing tournament in Mauritania, the technically adept defender believes Ghana has what it takes to clinch the trophy.

“We’re very determined and focused to win the Cup and are not allowing the 4-0 victory over Tanzania get into our heads at all,” he told the Times Sports yesterday.

He asked Ghanaians to pray for the team “as we break our back to ensure the trophy comes home to Ghana.”

The Satellites’ next assignment is against Morocco, who posted a hard-fought 1-0 win against the Gambia in the other Group C tie.

Meanwhile, Satellites coach, Abdul Karim Zito, has hailed the performance of his boys, though he believes the weather was not favourable to them.

“Ghana is being noted as slow starters in these tournaments but with this performance we’re happy. It is good to start with a win in your first game so it will propel my players to do more.

“The climate has affected my team because in Ghana its very hot and it’s different.”

BY JOHN VIGAH

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