SWAG IX silence NSC IX

Accra, May 22, GNA - The Sports Writers Association of Ghana's (SWAG) football team put up a spirited performance to defeat the National Sports Council (NSC) team 2-1 in a special friendly match at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra on Saturday.

NSC who had hours before the match taunted their opponents and predicted a massive win, took the lead in the 10th minute of the game through Kenas, who benefited from a seemingly offside position to fire past Mathias Tibu in post for the SWAG team.

The sportswriters took up the challenge and with a solid midfield led by skipper John Vigah, ably supported by Al Amisty Nobo and Sammy Heywood Okine, they launched several attacks on the defence of NSC. They however failed to utilize the chances that came their way but it was evident that the equalizer was only a matter of time. With adequate supply from the middle, Muniru Osman secured the equalizer in the 25th minute with five minutes to end the half after Parker Nartey of GBC set him up.

Head coach William Ezah, who doubled as Team Manager, revised his game plan on resumption of the second half by introducing Larry Awotwe on the right back and Benjamin Abakah for William Fiifi Sey, who was unfit on the day.

SWAG remained on top of the game with NSC's combative midfielder Sammy Buckman Boakye failing to hold his side together. It therefore came as no surprise when he nodded home a perfect cross from Michael Boateng of Sports Day to put SWAG on the lead. Osman should have had three more goals before the close of the day, but he failed due to over elaboration on two occasions, with his powerful shot in the 50th minute hitting the crossbar.

NSC made a last minute effort to equalize but found a defensive set up of Raymond Ackumey, Andy Nortey of Ghanaian Times, Awotwe of Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Adnan Seidu difficult to penetrate. Even though the host succeeded in making a move the 57th minute with a powerful grounder, keeper Tibu was up to the task to keep the score line intact.

Earlier the staff of NSC and members of SWAG embarked on a two hour walk through some principal streets amid singing and dancing and later with some exercise at the fore court of the stadium.