U-20 World Cup: Ghana Beat Paraguay

GHANA'S NATIONAL Under-20 team, the Black Satellites have begun their World Youth championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay.

An entertaining first half failed to yield any goals although both nations had some excellent chances. On the half-hour mark, Sully Muntari headed over the crossbar from close range and seven minutes later, Paraguay's Santiago Salcedo banged one off the crossbar in the 37th minute.

The Black Satellites scored their first goal just before the hour through midfielder Michael Essien of French side Bastia and just five minutes later, they went further ahead thanks to Panathinaikos striker Derek Boateng who pounced on a rebound to thump the ball past goalkeeper Diego Barreto.

Paraguay scored their consolation with just over 20 minutes remaining of the Group F clash in Mar del Plata when Juventus youngster Tomas Guzman tucked home the rebound from Jorge Britez's header.

PARAGUAY CLEARLY had the momentum as they looked for the equaliser, but Banahene was magnificent in goal as he parried shots from Celso Esquivel and Julio Gonzalez in quick succession.

In the 90th minute, Gonzalez's shot was spilled by Banahene, but cleared off the line by team-mate Patrick Villars before Paraguay could seize on the opportunity.

From the ensuing corner, defender Pedro Benitez could only head wide but moments later, to the relief of the Ghanaians, referee Hauge Terje blew his whistle to signal the securing of three valuable points in what is said to be the Group of Death in this tournament.

Ghana - Maxwell Banhene, Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, Patrick Villars, Emmanuel Pappoe, Abdul Razak Ibrahim, Razak Pimpong, Derek Boateng, Anthony Obodai, John Mensah, John Pantsil

Paraguay – Diego Barreto, Jose Devaca, Emilio Martinez, Pedro Benitez, Walter Fretes, Jorge Britez, Julio Gonzalez, Tomas Guzman (Cristian Fatecha, 86), Santiago Salcedo (Oswaldo Diaz, 68), Celso Esquivel, Gabriel Estigarrabia (Fredy Bareiro, 86)

PIC: Derek Boateng celebrates his goal against Paraguay during their first round match of the FIFA Youth World Championship in Mar del Plata's Jose Maria Minella stadium, June 18, 2001.