MALIANS' PHYSIQUE DOESN'T SCARE US -OBUH

Flying Eagles' Coach, John Obuh, has dismissed fears that the Malian Under-20 team has a physical edge over his squad ahead of today's Orange African Youth Championship (AYC) semifinal.

Obuh acknowledged that though his team's opponents at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto are taller, he is confident his players will reach the final. 'Football is not about size. The most important thing is your brain. After all, the best player in the world (Lionel Messi) is not the tallest player around.

'By the time we clash with them, we will know who will come out tops - the size or the brain,' said Obuh.

It was learnt that Obuh's training sessions with the Nigerian Under-20s ahead of today's semi-final have been focused on short-squared passing and shooting from long range.

On the non-availability of VVV-Venlo's Ahmed Musa, the Nigerian coach explained that he had been in touch with the youngster.

Obuh is, however, hoping that the Dutch Eredivisie side would have a change of heart about stopping Musa from flying to Johannesburg from the Netherlands.

'I've been in touch with him and we have been talking. We are still hoping for a miracle (in his case). But we will soldier on without him because we have quality in the side and we are confident going into the semi-final game with or without him,' said Obuh.