After riding two South American challenges; Brazil and Columbia, at the ongoing Under-17 World Cup in South Korea, the Black Starlets have yet another cagey task to overcome a third force from that same region.

Peru, unsung at this level of world football and excited at its quarter-final berth so far, are next in line for the two-time former World Champions.

Kick-off is at 8am on Saturday and the winner advances to the semi-final stage of the game. Interestingly, the two sides go at each other with quite contrasting motivations.

The Starlets, after disposing off pre-tournament favourites, Brazil and consequently bundling them out of the tournament, are confident the rest of the field can be tamed.

Beyond that desire, the urge to clinch a third world title, partly incensed by the achievements of regional rivals, Nigeria, who are themselves two-time champions at the same level in a relatively short period and still seeking a third for themselves, seems to be part of the Starlets’ magic.

As for Peru, even if they decide that going for the ultimate would be a bit preposterous, they have every reason to fight and hope to put Ghana down, on behalf of their fallen colleagues.

Contrasting pair

	The Starlets carrying Isaac Donkor high after his lone goal sent Brazil packing out of the tournament.

It indeed, is a deadly motivation not to allow ‘tiny’ Ghana to do any more damage to one continent. That is what makes tomorrow’s game at Gwanyong a cagey one.

The Peruvian side, known simply as the Jotitas, has been modest so far, scoring only three and conceding one after four games. And like the Starlets, they have tasted one defeat in the tournament.

While they are not a particularly defensive side, they appear a highly technical and disciplined unit with each player working for each other.

17-year-old midfielder, Carlos Bazalar has eased into team inspirer position after fetching two of the three goals and should be constantly under guard.

But the Ghanaians know their game, and from assurances by both playing body and handlers, the highly expectant little Starlets are highly favoured to win.

The Starlets have scored nine goals and conceded five, with skipper Ransford Osei netting four and currently second in the golden boot race to Nigeria’s Macauley Chrisantus, who has five goals.

The Starlets will be buoyed by the return of central defender Phillip Boampong and Enoch Adu from suspensions. However midfielder Francis Boadi remains suspended after his red card (two yellow cards) in the game against Brazil.