Trujillo, Sept. 18, GNA - Coach David Duncan, helmsman of the national under-17 soccer team, the Black Starlets, has assured the nation that the absence of wing-back Wakaso Mubarak, who was sent off in the opening group match against host Peru would not affect the team's performance in Monday's game against Costa Rica.

Wakaso took an early shower just 12 minutes after kick-off in Saturday's match after a reckless tackle on an opponent, which attracted a red card from the Belgian referee.

The Starlets, two times World Champions, had their problem worsened minutes after the red card when the referee awarded a penalty kick against the team, which was converted.

The young Ghanaians fought relentlessly with 10 men and got the needed equaliser courtesy an own goal late in the game. Coach Duncan told the GNA Sports in Peru that adequate measures have been put in place to forestall any unforeseen circumstances adding that Wakaso's absence would not affect the team's "make-up". The confident-looking coach said, "in football we know such things are bound to happen that is why we never gave up even after the red card".

The team looks very confident as they come up against Costa Rica in a must-win game aware that a loss could end their dream of winning the ultimate crown.

All teams in Group A including Ghana have a point each after they all drew their first matches.