U-17 WC: Starlets cruise on

Accra, Aug 20, GNA - National U-17 soccer team, Black Starlets cruised on with Ghana's hope for a third global title at the FIFA world Championship when they spanked Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 in a Group F opener on Monday in South Korea.

The Ghanaians who are making their eight appearance at the competition they won in 1991 and 1995, scored thrice in the first half before wrapping up the game late to jump to the summit of the four-team table with three points that includes Germany and Columbia. Sadick Adams gave the scanty Ghanaian fans dotted across the Cheonan Sports Complex a reason to expect a rainy day when he tore open the Trinidad and Tobago rear but surprisingly shot wide with just the yawning net in sight.

That move soared the team's confidence and opened the way for Ransford Osei who grabbed the opener in the 11th minute. Osei profited from a move initiated by Daniel Opare when the latter raced above his marker from the left flank, cut deep into the middle before instigating the final pass for the former to hit the back of the net with the ball in a manner that left Trinidad's goalkeeper Samuel Glenroy exposed.

The Starlets though not playing particularly well, managed a few chances, but consistent calls of offside by the assistant referee ensured their appetite for more goals was suppressed with the offside traps well executed by their opponents.

However the creative genius, Ishmael Yartey who struggled to stay in his element had a rear breakthrough with the offside traps on the 20 minute mark but with only Glenroy to beat, the All Blacks winger squeezed the ball on the goalie's body to the dismay of all. The pendulum of action fast swung into Trinidad and Toibago's favour and in one of the scarce threat to the two times world champions, it was Ghana's goalkeeper Joseph Addo who ensure the scores remained unchanged with a fine save.

Ghana was to strike again just when their opponents seemed to be settling down with incessant raids that saw Osei's well taken shot kissing the post and deflecting to safety on the 35th minute. Ten minutes on, Osei got lucky with his second, as he finished Abeiku Quansah's set up after the creative midfielder tore the defence into shreds before laying that pass.

Inspired by the goal, Adams made it three on the stroke of half time by feasting on Opare's sweat.

The second half produced less action, but gave indication of the fine telepathic understanding that proved the strength of the Ghanaian youngsters.

In their quest for redemption, the losers managed a consolation goal with a thunder bolt shot from substitute Stephen Compbell from a set piece just beyond the final third with 10 minutes left of play.

Substitute Kelvin Bossman grabbed Ghana's fourth five minutes later to ensure total victory. Ghana next plays Germany on Thursday.

Line-up Joseph Addo, Paul Addo, Daniel Opare, Francis Boadi, Tetteh Nortey, Abeiku Quansah, Enoch Adu/Abdul Naza Alhassan, Sadick Adams/ Kelvin Bossman , Ransford Osei, Ishmael Yartey, Philip Boampong/ Richard Mpong .

Summary

Ghana beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 at the Cheonan Sports Complex in the second Group F fixture at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007.
Scorers: Ransford Osei(12, 44), Sadick Adams(45+1), Kevin Bossman(89)
Line Up: Addo J, Addo P(C), Opare, Boadi, Tetteh, Quansah(56' Frimpong), Adu(77' Naza), Adams(76' Bossman), Osei, Yartey, Boampong
Watch the match Here(FIFA) or channelsurfing