Ghana open their 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup campaign against France at the Istanbul Arena on Friday in Group A. But they face a difficult opposition in a talented France squad. The Black Satellites became the first African side to lift the World U20 trophy in Egypt after beating Brazil on penalties in 2009. Sellas Tetteh, who masterminded that historic feat four years ago, has returned to take charge of the Ghana squad. The West African’s record in the competition far surpasses Friday’s opposition. They have finished in the medal zone of previous tournaments on three occasions. At the 2001 finals in Argentina where Ghana won silver, they drew 0-0 with France in a final Group F match. Ghana’s side featured the likes of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, John Pantsil and Fulham’s Derek Boateng. Friday’s match will be entirely different. Though Udinese-target Ebenezer Assifuah is the brightest spot in the Ghana team, Tetteh would be relying most on Inter Milan midfielder Alfred Duncan who helped Livorno secure promotion to the Italian Serie A. Anderlecht’s Frank Acheampong and Baba Abdul Rahman from German side Greuther Furth will be crucial. Left-back Jeremiah Akorful is also a delight to watch on the ball. Juventus striker Richmond Boakye-Yiadom is also with the team. Ghana had to drop Chelsea reserve team captain Daniel Pappoe over a swollen knee. Les Bleuets earned their spot at Turkey 2013 by reaching the last four of the 2012 UEFA European U-19 Championship in Estonia. France’s best performance in the competition comes in 2011 in Columbia where they finished fourth after losing to Mexico in the bronze medal game. The European giants, despite their rich pool of talents at youth level have appeared just four times out of 18 possible times. Pierre Mankowski’s side is inspired by the presence of Olympique Lyon’s regular squad member Samuel Umtiti who completed 25 Ligue 1 games last season and Juventus’ Paul Pogba. Striker Jean-Christophe Bahebeck single-handedly took Troyes to the semi-final of the Coupe de France competition last season. The failure of AC Milan’s N’Baye Niang to make the final squad for the France squad sums up the quality of their squad. About 70% of the France squad have played in the French top-flight. Ghana’s probable starting line-up: Eric Ofori Antwi – Baba Rahman, Lawrence Lartey, Joseph Attamah, Richmond Nketiah- Alfred Duncan, Seidu Salifu, Frank Acheampong,Francis Narh – Ebenezer Assifuah, Richmond Boakye-Yiadom.