Fans Disappointed At Stars' Performance

Accra (Greater Accra), 15 Jan., Thousands of Ghanaian Soccer Fans expressed disappointment at the performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars, when they drew 0-0 with their Mozambican counterparts in an international friendly match played at the Accra Sports stadium today. The Stars, who paraded a local squad with only four foreign-based players (Mohammed) Gargo, Richard Kingston, Emmanuel Tetteh and Kamara Dini), started well but faded out completely as the game progressed. The visitors, who played a more defensive game in the first half with occasional counter attacks, received a standing ovation from over 45,000 spectators, when their dangerman ticco-tico scored from a clinical header but was ruled off-side by Accra-based FIFA Referee Alex Quartey in the 30th minute. Thereafter, the fans rooted for the visitors, shouting "R-E-A-L" each time they were on the attack and "0-Fan" for the stars, even if they played well. The stars had a 64th minute penalty after Central Defender Tomas Inguane had handled the ball on the goal-line in a melee, but the resultant kick was wasted by midfielder Mohammed Gargo. In spite of the poor performance, coach Rinus Israel is optimistic about what the stars can do in the forthcoming African Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso next month. Speaking after the match, he admitted that the team needs to work more on its finishing, but said if he could assemble all the professionals by next week the problem could be solved. The match forms part of the two teams' preparations towards the 21st African Cup of Nations, which kicks off on February seven in Burkina Faso.

Gri.