CAIRO: Dominic Adiyiah played an instrumental role in Ghana’s impressive campaign to their third final appearance in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ahead of Friday’s final clash against four-time-U-20 World Champions Brazil, the competition’s top scorer to-date relishes his nation chances of making history.
“We’re confident that the current gifted generation can make history. I believe that we as a team have what it takes to become the first African nation ever to lift the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Brazil are very tough opponents but we are capable of triumphing at the end, Adiyiah told Daily News Egypt.
Adiyiah says that Ghana have delivered exceptional performances throughout the campaign to the highly-anticipated final against Brazil. The African team won five games and were held to a single draw against Uruguay. Thus, it is their precious chance to clinch the title, which was lost twice before, in 1993 and 2001.
The sharp scorer, who netted eight times, is four goals ahead of his closest contenders in the race to win FIFA’S Golden Shoe, which is awarded to the top scorer.
“I’m delighted that my current form is very impressive. At this world stage, you’ve got to have the self-confidence alongside self-discipline as well as the will to progress and improve in every match. All of this enables you to shine and produce stellar performances, Adiyiah said.
Adiyiah has created a formidable partnership with center forward Ransford Osei alongside attacking midfield Andre Ayew, which resulted in scoring 13 goals out of Ghana’s 16 goals in this tournament.
“I’ve now played with Ransford and Andre for almost a year, and we’ve created a very strong bond upfront. They are great players whom are passionate about football and are determined to be remembered as a very special generation, same as all team members, Adiyiah said.
The 20-year-old striker believes that amongst his eight goals, a precious goal stands out, which was against South Africa in the round of 16. He scored through a terrific long distanced shot in extra-time to give his side the lead, which eventually saw Ghana through to the quarterfinals.
“Our most difficult match was against the Koreans who gave us a very hard time, particularly in the second half, when we were under enormous pressure. Nevertheless we managed a hard-fought victory against a very well organized side, Adiyiah said.
Adiyiah hails the home crowd support for his national team throughout the impressive campaign.
“We look forward in the final to be backed by such a great crowd. We’re not playing only for Ghana, but for the whole African continent as well. We’re positive that we will make our nation and the African continent proud, Adiyiah added.
On an individual level, Adiyiah who currently plays for the Fredrikstad FK club in Norway, expressed his wish to play in the world’s top leagues, the English Premier League or the Spanish League, and is confident that he would rise to stardom in both.
