Ismailia is the venue for two of the finest teams in the competition so far, Ghana and Uruguay to go head-to head for a place at the section's summit at stake.
It is not just the pride of being at the head of Group D which is important to both Ghana and Uruguay going into this encounter, but the chance to remain in the familiar surroundings of Ismailia and avoid a clash with the team who tops Group E, which is also up for grabs.
Ghana, fresh from their 4-0 demolition of England have a full-strength squad, but Uruguay are without the services of Diego Rodriguez and master-creator Jonathan Urretaviscaya who are serving one-match suspensions.
The only previous meetings between these two nations took place in the final phases of FIFA competitions, twice at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and twice at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Ghana have history on their side with two wins to one, the other match being a draw.
The only South American victory came in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Youth Championship 1997, which ended 3-2 to La Celeste after extra time.
"The Words and Team Sheet"
"For us, the third match is as important as the first. We'll be making a step up in terms of our opponents when we meet Uruguay, so we have to rise to the challenge. We need to keep our focus and keep pushing. We have a lot of work still to do," Sellas Tetteh, Ghana coach.
"We're not favourites against Ghana, but we're hoping to win the game in order to top the group. They're an excellent side and have shown their strengths in their opening two games and we'll have to be at our best to collect the three points," Diego Aguirre, Uruguay coach.
Meanwhile, PEACEFM Sports can confirm that, Coach Sellas Tetteh will introduce three new players in his starting line-up for Friday�s clash with Uruguay in Group D at the U-20 World Youth Cup in Egypt.
Speaking from far away Ismailia where he is based, PEACEFM�s Anim Addo, posits that with the Black Satellites through to the second round of the tournament, Tetteh can now afford to try the other players in his squad.
Real Madrid defender Daniel Opare will start in place of Samuel Inkoom in the right-back position.
Liberty Professionals defender Ghandy Kassenu takes the place of Denmark-based David Addy in the left-back position.
Qatar-based Opoku Agyemang will start his right wing position from the bench as his place will be taken by France-based Nice midfielder Abeiku Quansah.
Starting line-up:
Daniel Agyei, Daniel Opare, Kassenu Ghandi, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Addo, Agyemang Badu, Abeiku Quansah, Rabiu Mohammed, Dominic Adiyiah, Ransford Osei, Andre Ayew
Subs:
Gladson Awako, Opoku Agyemang, Latif Salifu, David Addy, Samuel Inkoom, Philip Boampong, Robert Dabuo, John Benson, Bright Addae, Joseph Addo
Source: Fifa.com/Anim Addo (Peacefmonline)
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |