By the end of the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Championship, Ghana's unequalled record of three final appearances and two wins had made them the team to beat in this age group.
The late coach Sam Arday's side had the physical and technical edge over all the other sides in Ecuador.
Six straight wins tell their own story as even the mighty Brazil proved helpless in the face of the Black Starlets' superior style.
The Black Starlets interchanged a 4-4-2, 5-3-2 and 3-4-3 formation at will, and with captain Emmanuel Bentil directing traffic in midfield, they had a leader who made sure they never let up.
Ghana rolled over Japan, Ecuador, the United States, Portugal, Oman and Brazil, before taking to the victory podium for a well-earned victory dance.
The tournament is also remembered for the introduction of two new rules: the Golden Goal and the use of time-outs. Ghana and fellow African representative Guinea were the only teams which did not utilize the time out.
With Brazil and Argentina making the semi-finals, South America could look back on the competition with some satisfaction - even if they were to lose out again to an African nation in Ghana. Oman shocked everyone by finishing fourth in their very first FIFA final tournament.
Cleverly coached by the wily George Smith, the team from the Gulf were a joy to behold, and in Mohamed Kathiri they had the tournament's best player.
They only lost twice - to Argentina and future champions Ghana - and might have done even better had they not lost seven players to injury in the group phase.
The tournament also featured Argentines Esteban Cambiasso and Pablo Aimar, as well as Brazilians Julio César and Cléber. Ghana skipper Emmanuel Bentil and teammate Iddrisu Abu were also among the stand out players.
Latest Stories
-
Vasseur questions ‘strange momentum’ of Formula 1 race director change
9 seconds -
“I am disappointed in Kojo Manuel” – Merqury Quaye on “no tie” comment
36 seconds -
Nana Kwame Bediako; The beacon of unity
3 mins -
Western Region: NDC youth wing embarks on phase 2 of ‘retail campaign’
29 mins -
Action Chapel International holds annual Impact Convention in November
29 mins -
Jana Foundation urges young women to take up leadership roles
34 mins -
All set for Joy FM Prayer Summit for Peace 2024
45 mins -
Managing Prediabetes with the Help of a Dietitian
1 hour -
Joy FM listeners criticise Achiase Commanding Officer’s election comment
1 hour -
Legal Aid Commission employees threaten strike over poor working conditions
1 hour -
Ghana ranked 7th globally as biggest beneficiary of World Bank funding
2 hours -
IMF board to disburse $360m to Ghana in December after third review
2 hours -
Former Bono Regional NPP organiser donates 13 motorbikes to 12 constituencies
2 hours -
Securities industry: Assets under management estimated at GH¢81.7bn in quarter 3, 2024
2 hours -
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation challenges graduates to maximise benefits of community apprenticeship programme
3 hours