Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has admitted Ghana are desperate to beat Burkina Faso in Thursday’s must-win Group B encounter at the WAFU B U-20 Championship, but insists his players must not allow their desire for victory to override tactical discipline.
Speaking ahead of the decisive clash at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, Konadu said the stakes are high for the Black Satellites, but stressed that maintaining composure throughout the game will be just as important as their attacking intent.
“We are anxious to win the game, but that shouldn’t lead us to throw everything away. We have to manage the game depending on how it unfolds. Obviously, we have to be more aggressive because we want to carry the day,” Konadu said.
Ghana heads into the fixture needing a positive result to strengthen their hopes of progressing from Group B after a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in the opening day. Konadu, however, believes his players have recovered mentally and physically and are ready to respond.
“We have prepared the boys psychologically and physically for tomorrow’s encounter. What happened on Monday, we’ve kept that behind us. It’s past and gone. There is nothing we can do about it. The assignment ahead of us is important and crucial for all of us.”
The former Asante Kotoko coach revealed that Ghana’s preparations have focused on making better use of the team’s strengths while limiting Burkina Faso’s influence in key areas of the pitch.
“We told the boys to keep more circulation to our advantage where we’re strong at, especially in the wide areas. We need to exploit those areas very well.”
Konadu also acknowledged the quality of the Burkinabe side but believes Ghana have identified areas they can exploit.
“They progress the ball well and they have some quality in their team, but so do we. It’s about not allowing them to have their way deep in midfield. We know they are not as strong in the wide areas, and we have to be cautious of their two attacking forwards.”
The experienced tactician added that several members of his squad were making their first appearance at this level and understandably showed signs of nerves in the opening game, but expects a much-improved display this time around.
“Most of the boys are new to this tournament, so some were a bit jittery. The players have recovered and are ready to face Burkina tomorrow,” he added.
Konadu also revealed that the coaching staff has spent time correcting the defensive mistakes that proved costly in the opening fixture, expressing confidence that the team has learned valuable lessons ahead of a match that could define Ghana’s campaign.
With qualification hanging in the balance, the Black Satellites know only a disciplined and determined performance will keep their WAFU B U-20 Championship ambitions firmly on track.
