Sellas Tetteh may have progressed into the finals of the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC) by beating Mali 4-2 on penalties, but he admits Mali were better in the semis.
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With the tournament getting to a close, Ghana need one big, final push for a second title in three editions.
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"Yes, Mali played better than us for long periods but we finished strong and the players were tenacious.
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It was a very difficult game. We struggled most of the time but what I remember is that in the last 13 minutes we showed some grit and determination."
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The similarities between this team and the one that won gold in Rwanda are striking, and the coach has noticed it as well.
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"This team pleases me as it is like that of 2009 and we'll give everything to fulfill our dream as in 2000 in Rwanda. We all know that in the game of football, at a given time, you face difficulties. But one beautiful thing about the team was we ended the game stronger."
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Ghana will face group mates Egypt on Saturday in Oran. The Young Pharoahs had beat defending champions Nigeria 2-0 to set up a repeat game with Ghana.
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A change in tactics must be evident if Ghana must win, something the former Liberty Professionals boss acknowledges.
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"Fortunately for us, we're going to face them [Egypt] for the second time. They've won all their games, a 100% record. That's wonderful for them. But definitely the finals, I don't think it will be as easy as that."
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"We will bring a completely different mentality into the game. Once bitten, twice shy. So we'll do our best to handle the second game."