Addy, Inkoom Keen on Making History

Ghana's place at the finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup has been achieved as a result of team effort and self-belief by all associated with the squad. The Black Satellites carried on such qualities and succeeded in lifting the Africa title earlier this year. On Friday, the reigning African Champions can secure a double when they play Brazil in the finals of the U-20 World Cup in Egypt. Ghana's rise has always not been down to the quality goal scoring abilities of its up-field players but the equal combination of pacy runs by the full-backs who have exhibited good technique. On the road to the finals, the importance of Ghana's full-backs came into play once again when by the 31st minute of the semi-final against Hungary, Samuel Inkoom and David Addy had provided the assists for the competition's top scorer Dominic Adiyiah to send his goal tally to eight as he scored from their passes. As the statistics read, six of Ghana's 16 goals at the competition have come from the team's full-backs. Three of those have come from the right, with Inkoom sparking efforts against England, Korea Republic and the Magyars. The other three have come from the left, where David Addy has helped undo Uzbekistan, South Africa and the Taeguk Warriors. For the full-back duo, getting forward and providing assists is another dimension to the team's style and they enjoy their contributions. "It's always a huge pleasure to make an assist," the Inkoom told FIFA.com. "The coach [Sellas Tetteh] often asks us to get forward and outnumber opponents," explained Addy. "That doesn't automatically mean we're weaker at the back. We're also capable of defending." Indeed, both players seem at pains to counter criticisms that the Black Satellites have been too porous in defence, shipping eight goals in their six outings. "It's true that my style is very attacking," added Inkoom. "But when I get forward, I always make sure that my flank is covered. And as soon as possession is lost, I run back at full speed."