Soccer- Satellites draw with Arab Contractors

Accra (Greater Accra), 17 Feb '99 -

The national under-20 soccer team, the Black Satellites and Arab Contractors F/C of Egypt on Tuesday, drew 2-2 in a special friendly match to formally hand over the rehabilitated Accra Sports Stadium to the National Sports Council. The three billion-cedi rehabilitation , which was undertaken by Arab Contractors Company, now has its sitting capacity increased from 34,000 to 42,000. About 10,000 plastic seats and a new computerised score board have also been installed ready for the 11th CAF under-20 soccer championship, which kicks off on Sunday, February 21. The other venue for the three-week tournament is the Kumasi Sports Stadium. Other facilities at the stadium include, public address systems, new toilets and bath rooms, an expanded press box and phone booths for the media. The Satellites, who played most of the game in the midfield scored twice before the allowing the visitors to equalise. The Satellites opened the scores in the 35th minute when Arab Contractors hard pressed defender, Mahmond El Arif, clearance from his own "18" went off the body of striker Baffour Gyan into the net. Right full back Aziz Ansah converted a spot kick in the 52nd minute after right winger Owusu Afriyie was brought down in the penalty box for the second goal. Then on, the Ghanaians appeared tired and in the 60th minute inside right Nady Salawa redeemed a goal for the visitors. Arif converted a 68th minute penalty to bring his side to level terms. GRi.../