National U-15 Boys head coach Salifu Fatawu says he is “very excited and happy” with Ghana’s performance after the team finished seventh at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.

Ghana secured seventh place among 189 countries after winning eight of their 10 matches. Their campaign ended with a convincing 4-0 victory over Colombia, although they had earlier suffered a 7-1 defeat by Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.

Fatawu said his players had shown considerable resilience in handling the demanding schedule and intensity of the tournament.

“Well, considering the preparation we had in Ghana before coming to Azerbaijan for this competition, I would say I'm very excited and happy with the performance of the boys,” he said.

“It wasn't easy, looking at the nature of the tournament, the intensity aspect of the games we play, and the boys are able to cope up with that and placing Ghana 7th in the competition, I think that they've done well.

“Out of 189 countries and Ghana is 7th, though we came with the mindset of winning the trophy, at least for being the first time, I think that didn't happen, but I must say I'm so excited with the performance of the boys.”

Although Ghana did not achieve their initial aim of winning the competition, Fatawu believes the experience will benefit the players as they progress through the age-group ranks.

“I believe this group of boys have a future, and Ghana football itself has a future with this kind of young talent that we have,” he said.

He also praised FIFA for organising the event, saying that exposure to major competition at such an early age would help prepare the players for future tournaments.

“Also, looking at the organisational aspect of this programme, I would say FIFA has done so well by initiating something like this. I'm sure the future is bright when the boys get to competitions at this early age.”

Fatawu added: “I'm sure before they get to 17 and 20, they'll be prepared and ready for competitions like this.”

The coach also expressed his appreciation for the Ghana Football Association’s support throughout the team’s participation in Azerbaijan.

“I would also want to use this opportunity to thank the FA for making sure Ghana was part of it, and the support they gave to us from day one till here,” he said.

“I would say they should keep it up and we'll also do our best to make sure that Ghana will always announce itself any way we find ourselves.”

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