'We need to face Ivory Coast 'boot for boot'' - Ghana U17 Coach Ogum vows physical final

Ghana's U17 coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, has promised his Black Starlets will match Ivory Coast's physicality and intensity in the WAFU Zone B final, setting the stage for a fiercely contested rematch.

The final comes after the Ivorians dominated Ghana 3-0 in the group stage, but Coach Ogum has signaled a drastic change in approach for the decisive match. His comments suggest a game plan built on aggression and direct confrontation to neutralize the host's advantages.

"They defeated us in the group stage, so fortunately we've been able to play them. We know what to do," Ogum stated, highlighting the value of the earlier defeat as a tactical lesson.

The coach's most telling remark was his promise of a physical battle. "Tactically, we also have to restrategize to make sure that we meet them boot for boot," Ogum declared, using a phrase that signals a shift to a more robust and assertive style of play.

This new approach was successfully tested in the semi-final, where a disciplined and gritty performance led to a 2-0 victory over Nigeria, securing Ghana's place in both the final and the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Now, with the ultimate prize on the line, Ogum's "boot for boot" strategy will be the key to avenging their previous loss and claiming the WAFU Zone B trophy.

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