Mali players were over-aged – Deputy Sports minister

pulse-ghana admin

May 31, 2017 11:10 AM

Pius Enam Hadzide believes the Young Eagles used over-aged players to defeat the Black Starlets

___6762651___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___6762651___2017___5___31___13___file6v642mdl1e984n60itr

Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Pius Enam Hadzide has branded Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Mali in the final of the U-17 Africa Nations Cup as a David and Goliath affair, insisting the Young Eagles squad had over-aged players.

Ghana’s Black Starlets were made to pay for a slow start as they lost 1-0 to Mali in the final of the tournament.

Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin’s side were totally outplayed in the final, with the Malians using their physicality as an advantage to overpower the Starlets.

However, Hadzide has questioned the genuineness of the ages of the Young Eagles players.

The deputy Sports Minister told Chris FM: “I realised that Mali used a lot of strength in the final to bully the Black Starlets and at a point, I was asking myself if their players were really 17 years or below.

“This is because their stature and how they were bullying the Ghanaians was surprising. The final game can be likened to the battle between David and Goliath, so we will definitely do something about it.”

He went ahead to suggest CAF must investigate the Mali team that played at this year’s U-17 tournament.

“We need to seriously investigate Mali because one of their defenders that I greeted after the game almost looked much older than me.

“He doesn't look like a youngster but they claim he is 17, therefore there is a need to investigate since at least if two players looked like men they will be found guilty.”

The Black Starlets have already qualified for the U-17 World Cup scheduled to be held in India later this year.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

pulse-ghana admin