Youth Olympics Hockey: Ghana qualify for Bronze Medal match

Ghana beat host Singapore 2-1 in Monday’s last match. The boys from Ghana finish the round-robin fourth and play off in the Bronze Medal match against Belgium. Host Singapore face Chile in the 5th place classification.

Ghana had the better chances on a participation in the Bronze medal match. Singapore would have needed a victory with at least three goals difference to become fourth.

The first big opportunity in this match belonged to Ghana: Fredrick DARKO combined well with Johnny BOTSIO whose shot went wide of goal. Team Singapore had a few penalty corners in the first half but was unable to benefit from them. Mohd Haseef SALIM was close to scoring but his shot was saved on the goal-line by Ghana’s defender Ernest OPOKU. OPOKU passed the ball quickly to Abdul Raham ANUM and Ghana was on the break. ANUM entered the circle but Singapore’s goalkeeper Rui-Ming Kevin NG saved with his stick. A few seconds before halftime Ghana however took the lead when Selorm KEMEVOR deflected a pass crossing the circle into the net.

Ghana had the better start into the second half as Abdul Rahman ANUM doubled the lead in the 44th minute. Suddenly the hosts took control of the game and won many penalty corners. Mohd Haseef SALIM cut the lead in half with a successful drag-flick. The hosts had many opportunities to equalise afterwards but did not use them. Team Singapore stays on zero points and finish last in the round-robin.

Ghana v Singapore 2-1 (1-0)
1-0 35' Selorm KEMEVOR (FG)
2-0 44' Abdul Rahman ANUM (FG)
2-1 58' Mohd Haseef SALIM (PC)