Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu insists he side deserved to win their Group C opener against Congo despite a scrappy display.
The Local Black Stars needed a defected effort on the foot of midfielder Theophilus Anobaah to record a 1-0 win at the Mangaung Free State Stadium.
Ghana were lucky not to have considered a goal after Congoââ¬â¢s Red Devils hit the woodwork twice and missed a sitter in the second half.
Konadu has jumped to the defence of his players and said they worked hard for the win.
ââ¬ÅIt was not a bad game but l cannot say we played well either. Both teams had chances to win and today it was us who prevailed,ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬â¢ the former Kotoko trainer said.
ââ¬ÅWe must thank the initiative of this competition which allows the world to see young and able talent from Africa.
ââ¬ÅI think we can still give a better performance and play more as a team but overall I think we deserved the victory.
ââ¬ÅOur performance at the last edition in Sudan was not good and it is one motivating factor that we wanted to do better here in South Africa.
ââ¬ÅIn my view due to the success of the senior Black Stars the pressure to perform is on every Ghanaian team.ââ¬
Ghana will play Group leaders Libya on Friday.