U20 World Cup: African teams hit by visa hitches ahead of tournament in New Zealand

Published on: 28 May 2015
U20 World Cup: African teams hit by visa hitches ahead of tournament in New Zealand
Sellas Tetteh, the coach of Ghana

Senegal are understood to be worst hit by a visa hitch ahead of the start of the U20 World Cup in New Zealand as only three players have been issued entry visas, while several Ghana officials were denied entry to the host nation.

Senegal, who finished runners at the 2015 African Youth Championship they hosted in March, were also refused entry to Austria for a training camp prior to the World Cup.

A top official of the Black Satellites said he was puzzled that several officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) were refused visas to New Zealand.

“Is it that they are looking down on Ghana?” the official lamented.

African champions Nigeria have thus far not suffered any visa snag to the World Cup.

Senegal are making their debut in New Zealand, while Ghana made history as the first African team to win the U20 World Cup in 2009 in Egypt.

The Junior Teranga Lions are drawn in Group C alongside Portugal, Colombia and Qatar, while Ghana are in Group B with seven-time winners Argentina, Panama and Austria.

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