Posted by On this day 20th August 1995, which is exactly 25 years today, Ghana’s Black Starlets made it three in a row for Africa as they defeated Brazil 3-2 in the final of the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The tournament that year was the 6th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup and it was hosted in Ecuador. It began as a competition for players under the age of 16 with the age limit raised to 17 from the 1991 edition onwards.
Ghana was drawn in Group A with host nation Ecuador, 3 times U17 Asian champions Japan and United States of America (USA).
The Black Starlets managed to place first in the group with 9 points, they defeated Japan 1-0, Ecuador 2-1 and United States 2-0.
Host nation Ecuador and Japan had 4 points from the 3 games, but Ecuador placed second with the better goal difference of +1. USA finished bottom of the group with no point.
Ghana in the Quarter finals defeated Portugal 2-0. Skipper Emmanuel Bentil and Attakora Amaniampong were the scorers.
The Starlets played Oman in the Semifinals and won 3-1. Joseph Ansah, Dini Kamara and Abu Iddrisu scored for Ghana whiles Mohammed Amar Al-Kathiri grabbed the consolation goal for Oman.
Ghana played Brazil in the final and defeated the young Seleçaõs 3-2 to win their second FIFA U-17 World Cup and make it three in a row for Africa.
Baba Sule and Abu Iddrisu gave Ghana in 2-0 lead before the break in the final, Juan reduced the deficit for the Brazilians right after the break. Just few minutes later, Emmanuel Bentil restored Ghana’s 2 goal cushion. Marco Antonio scored in the dying embers to reduce the deficit. The game ended 3-2. Ghana won it second U17 FIFA World Cup.
The Brazilians though would live to get their revenge at U-17 level two years later. Ghana made it to it 4th consecutive U17 final, but lost to Brazil.
Ghana’s squad for the tournament:
Goalkeepers: Michael Abu (Asante Kotoko), Raymond Fenny (Sekondi Hasaacas), Raymond Fenny (Sekondi Hasaacas)
Defenders: Kwaku Kyere (Asante Kotoko), Patrick Allotey (Excelsior Rotterdam), Attakora Amaniampong (Freiburger SC), Christian Gyan (Gapoha Readers), Christian Saba (Bayern Munchen), Richard Ackon (Ebusua Dwarfs)
Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Hearts Of Oak), Dini Kamara (Obuasi Goldfields), Joseph Ansah (Asante Kotoko), Emanuel Bentil (Okwawu United), Awudu Issaka (A.J Auxerre), Baba Sule (Comerstones Kumasi), Charles Akwei (Hearts Of Oak)
Forwards: Bashiru Gambo (King Faisal Babes), Abu Iddrisu, David Amoako (United States Soccer Angels)
Head Coach: Samuel Arday
Watch highlights of the final below: