New Sydney FC sensation Kofi Danning has described his match-winning goal against Wellington as the ‘best thing to ever happen to me’ as the Sky Blues ushered in a new youth-led era on Sunday night.
Danning, who was born in Ghana before moving to Australia aged seven, struck in the 85th minute to sink 10-man Wellington 1-0 at the SFS as coach John Kosmina’s decision to go with young talent paid off in a big way.
The hosts’ task was made a little easier after Wellington midfielder Troy Hearfield was sent off just past the hour mark, but there was still plenty to like.
At 17, the ever-smiling Danning was the youngest of Kosmina’s new breed and will never forget his first home appearance in the Hyundai A-League.
“I saw my opportunity and just took it and it’s the best thing to ever happen to me,” Danning said after the game.
“I’ve been practising my shooting and it paid off. It was a good feeling.”
“I’ve always worked hard on it and to do it here at home is very, very good.”
“I thought I would get one chance at the end of the year but ‘Kossie’ always spoke to me and said the harder you work the more opportunities you’ll get to play.”
“I finally got my chance and I just worked hard when I did get my chance and this happened to me so I’m very grateful.”
Danning lives in Canberra and had been commuting to and from Sydney several times a week as he lives out his dream.
“It’s been very difficult. At the start we didn’t know anyone in Sydney so it was really difficult getting up and down,” he said.
“My family wasn’t here so I didn’t feel comfortable.”
“But now everything is going fine and I’m enjoying it.”
Sydney will lose Danning next round as he will be involved in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.
Kosmina is disappointed he won’t have the pacy striker’s services, but was full of praise for the youngster whose goal has kept the Sky Blues’ faint finals hopes alive for another week.
“I said go and enjoy yourself and Kofi couldn’t have enjoyed himself any more,” Kosmina said.
“It was a good finish. He’s good to have around.”
Asked if Sydney, five points outside the top four with two rounds left, could still reach the playoffs, Kosmina said: “Mathematically, yes. If we win next week and win the week after we’ve got 29 points.”
“Queensland have got three to go and they might lose three and Central Coast have got Adelaide and Melbourne so anything is possible.”
Wellington coach Ricki Herbert was downcast with his side’s performance but vowed to fight on until the last ball is kicked.
The Phoenix are a win outside the four but have a poor for and against record.
“The task gets no easier but we won’t be giving up yet,” he declared.
“The ball is in our court.”
