Ghana lose final of Amputee Cup of Nations

Accra, Nov. 27, GNA – Defending champions, Liberia inked their name into the record books of Amputee football after they beat hosts Ghana 3-2 on penalties to win the 2011 Cup of African Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF) on Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.

The feat ensured the Liberians become the first and only team to have emerged winners in the biennial tournament twice in its six-year history.

Destined to win the tournament, the Liberians came back from two goals down to silence the host crowd and kill the Black Challenge's dream of the 'Host and win' slogan.

The thrilling encounter ended 3-3 in normal time before Liberia's goalie Joseph Kologbay turned hero for his side with two saves during the penalty shoot-out.

Ghana took a commanding 2-0 lead at the first half courtesy a brace from top marksman Collins Gyamfi.

The Liberians, however, returned strongly in the second half exposing the Ghanaian defence with their characteristic aerial balls and effective set pieces.

Within a spate of 11 minutes, the Liberians had drawn parity and taken the lead thanks to a brace from playmaker Festus Harrison and Anthony Doe to stun the sizable crowd at the stadium.

Ghana drew parity in the closing stages through Gyamfi to force the game into extra time.

There were no goals in extra time but Liberia suffered a numerical disadvantage after dangerman Doe was sent off after a second bookable offence.

During the penalty shoot-out Harrison, Dennis Parker and Oliver Blegay scored for Liberia whilst Richard Opentil and Gyamfi netted for hosts Ghana.

Liberia goalie Kologbay saved the decisive kicks of Ghanaian duo of Augustine Hinne and Francis Darkwah whilst Cephas Ayibadek shot wide with Edwin Sambulah of Liberia also missing from the spot.

At the end of contest, Ghanaian duo of Ayibadek and Gyamfi were decorated with the Best Defender and Top Scorer prizes, with the latter netting seven-goals in four matches.

Liberia midfielder Harrison was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament whilst debutants Niger picked the Fair Play award.

GNA