Sports News of Saturday, 9 February 2008

Source: GNA

Victory over Cote d'Ivoire did not enthuse Tema

Tema, Feb. 9 GNA - Ghana's Black Star 4-2 victory over the Elephants of La Cote d'Ivoire giving the team bronze in the tournament at the 26th Africa Cup of Nations played at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi did not rekindle soccer fans in Tema.

Despite the victory, all the streets and the central/commercial centre of the city remained quiet as though nothing had happen. Most fans removed their paraphernalia either from vehicles or buildings soon after Cameroon defeated the Stars.

The usual funfairs, drumming, singing and dancing by the aged, women, youth, and children as well as honking by drivers of vehicles that characterized previous victories during the tournament were conspicuously absent as people went about their normal duties.

However, the common talk about the tournament by some few young men who had gathered to discuss the game was in praise of the players, who had strived hard to wrest the bronze from La Cote D'Ivoire. Some drinking spots had prepared their places with the intent to receive more customers but only a few people were seen quaffing at the time of GNA's visit to town.

Asked why there was no jubilation despite the gap in the goals a young man remarked that "we are not all that enthused because we would have preferred the ultimate as the boys were good to have taken it but for a small hitch".