Ghana's Right to Dream win Africa Qualifiers
May 2011
Ghana’s own Right to Dream (RtD) Academy in partnership with Vodafone have won the Africa Qualifers of the Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) for the fourth year in succession at Nike’s EHQ Campus in Hilversum, Holland yesterday (Weds).
RtD won the right to represent Africa at the World Finals of the MUPC after a terse and hard-fought encounter with Cameroon’s Daga Young Boys, running out eventual winners 1:0.
Technical Director Gareth Henderby was delighted by the team’s performance: “We started out nervously, knowing what was at stake - this one match standing between our boys and the highlight of the year for us in Manchester. Once we had got into our stride there was only going to be one winner, but that doesn’t detract from Daga. They are a strong and physical side, and have already improved since last year at this event, but I do think that skill and technical ability shows through at this level, and I’m sure they will continue to work on raising their level for next year."
Looking forward to the World Finals of the MUPC, he continued “We’re excited to face European teams, because their style of play is so different to what we’re used to, but after a few previous tough results at the hands of the South Americans, we’re really eager to face Brazil and Mexico so this time, hopefully, we can turn the tables on them!”
The match took place on Africa Day which commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the African Union and symbolises a day to promote peace and unity within the continent. RtD boys that weren’t already playing their part in Holland, attended the Peace Match in Accra; an event organised by Michael Essien to raise awareness about the day. Ashley Cole led the World XI to a 4-2 victory over the African XI but despite the result and the rain it was a great day enjoyed by all!
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