The call him ‘Warrior’, and Joseph Mensah knowns he will have to fight with all his might to get Ghana to the FIFA Futsal World Cup™.

The Black Stars have never shared court with the sport’s titans. They haven’t even been to the CAF Futsal AFCON since its inaugural instalment in 1996. Ghana are, nevertheless, only one hurdle away from heading to the forthcoming continental finals in April, and Mensah is confident they’ll clear it and go on to reach Uzbekistan 2024.

Standing in the way of a ticket to Morocco in April are Côte d’Ivoire, whom they will face home and away in early February.

“We haven’t played against them yet, but Ivory Coast are a good team,” Mensah told FIFA. “I’ve watched a few of their games and I realise they are good opponents.

“But I believe this is our time. Futsal is very popular in Ghana. People are really into the game. The league in Ghana is a really good standard. I think futsal suits the style of Ghanian players. Futsal is part of the nation now.

“Now Ghana have an excellent team. We are very strong. Everyone is willing to help each other and give everything for the nation. I believe with our experience, hard work, skill and determination we will beat them.”

Mensah is the principal reasons the Black Stars are favourites. A pivot with eye-catching technique and a wicked shot, he is attracting glances for European clubs.

“I got into futsal when I was in high school,” he explained. “I fell in love with the fast pace and skilful nature of the game. You need ball control, ability, to be to able to think quickly and work as part of a team.

“I want to get to the very top. I’m very happy with the way I’ve played over the last year, but I want to keep improving.

“I know that I will. I believe in myself. I know I train really hard. I’m very focused on what I want to achieve. I fight with everything that I have.”

Mensah is also convinced another Ghanaian will join him at the top. “Philip Boye is a very, very good player,” he said. “He’s very talented and his composure is elite. I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Mensah is not looking past Côte d’Ivoire, but he is confident that not only will Ghana grab one of Africa’s three tickets to the global finals, but that they will go on to thrive in Uzbekistan.

“The FIFA Futsal World Cup is a big dream,” he said. “I really enjoyed watching Falcao and Ricardinho playing in it. To play on the same stage would be incredible. I’m doing everything I can individually and as part of the team to get to the World Cup.

“I believe Ghana could compete with anyone. I believe we could go very far in the World Cup. Ghana have huge potential.

“My family support me a lot, especially my dad. It would mean everything to me to know that he is watching me sing the Ghanaian national anthem, play in the FIFA Futsal World Cup.”