Jonathan Mensah addresses long-standing rumours about Ghana U-20 World Cup team facing Black Stars

Ghana’s seasoned defender, Jonathan Mensah, has finally addressed the long-standing rumors surrounding the Ghana U-20 World Cup team and their alleged encounter with the Black Stars.

In a candid interview with FC Pitchside Podcast, Mensah shed light on the actual events that transpired during that period.

Recounting his story, Mensah said, “Out of all the young guys, I was the only one who was asked to join the senior squad to play against the youth side who were my mates.

“I was called up to replace the injured John Mensah, hence I was made to switch from the youth side to the senior squad and my teammates from the youth side were just coming at me. Luckily, I impressed and was selected for the final squad.”

Mensah also spoke about his call-up to the 2010 World Cup squad, saying, “One might think one call-up to the 2010 World squad was a bit hasty, I believe it was the right moment.

“The senior national team’s coach was monitoring our progress and had been at the 2009 U20 finals in Egypt and had congratulated us in the locker room.

He explained to us how important the win was for Ghana and the African continent as a whole because we’re the first and only African country to have won the FIFA U20 tournament.

“I wasn’t expecting to have made that huge jump from U20 to the senior squad, but I think it’s fair considering our hard work and dedication.”

Mensah went on to feature at the World Cup, starting against Australia in the second game of the tournament.

Only four players from the U-20 World Cup-winning squad made it to the 2010 World Cup. The selected players were Andre Ayew, Samuel Inkoom, Dominic Adiyah, and Jonathan Mensah himself.

Mensah has had a distinguished career with the Black Stars, featuring in six AFCON tournaments and two senior World Cup tournaments.

He has won 70 caps with the Ghana Men’s National Team, including six appearances in FIFA World Cup play.

The defender has also had a successful club career, playing for top-tier teams in Ghana, South Africa, Italy, France, Russia, and Spain.