Odartey Lamptey urges Black Starlets to bounce back after Algeria draw
Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has backed Ghana’s U-17 side to recover strongly after their opening draw against Algeria at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting qualification remains within reach if the team improves in its remaining matches.
The Black Starlets began their Group D campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Algeria on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, after surrendering a two-goal lead in the second half.
Ghana made a blistering start to the contest, with early strikes from Yao Gavi Robinho and Eric Adu Gyamfi putting the West Africans firmly in control before the break.
However, Algeria responded after halftime with two goals before the 70th minute to stun the Black Starlets and level the match.
The North Africans were later handed a chance to complete the comeback when they were awarded a penalty, but the effort was fired wide, allowing Ghana to escape with a point.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Lamptey described the result as acceptable but warned that the young Ghanaian side must raise its level in the games ahead.
“A draw against Algeria is not a bad result, but then the players must improve in the next game,” he said.
“For now, the team must win their last two games or win one and draw one to ensure qualification.”
The draw leaves South Africa top of Group D following their victory over Senegal in the group’s other fixture.
The Black Starlets will now turn their attention to a crucial clash against Senegal on Sunday, 17 May, at 16:00 GMT, where they will be aiming to record their first win of the tournament.
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