A late penalty from Yaw Yeboah saved the Black Satellites from an opening defeat at the hands of the impressive Austria. A second half strike from the Austrian Gshweideil seemed to have won the contest for the Europeans only for Yaw Yeboah to draw parity from the spot kick.
The opening match at the ongoing FIFA Under 20 World Cup for the team ended in a 1-1 drawn game thanks to the impressive goal keeping from Lawrence Atti –Zigi. The lanky goal keeper save his colleagues from the embarrassment of an opening defeat in group B.
A dominant first half display for the Austrians was denied by the satellite goal keeper with impressive saves from the boots of Lucas Gugganic on two occasions. A 29th minute pile driver from Guganic drew a world class save from the Satellites goalie.
The first half score line belittled the dominant nature of the European with the workaholic Godfred Donsah going into the books of the referee for hard tacklings.
In the second half of the contest, the Austrians built on their strong performances by registering the game’s opening goal. A one hand save from the commanding Lawrence Atti fell into the path of the unrushing Gshweidel just inside the 16 yard and the striker picked a spot in the Ghanaian goal. It was such a composed finish from the Austrian attacker.
The goal brought the Ghanaians into life with some impressive moves after the ineffective Atanga was replaced by Prosper Kassim. Samuel Tetteh fluffed his lines when he was put through on goal and was later replaced by Emanuel Boateng.
The Austrians almost doubled their lead, rounding Atti Zigi only for Owusu Bempah to clear from goal line. Patrick Asmah then joined Donsah on the caution list as the game headed into its dying embers, with defeat starring at Ghana.
A late resurgence from the 2009 champions turned the match on its head with a very late penalty for the Ghanaians. A solo run into the 18 yard of the Austrian resulted in a spot kick after the player was pulled down by Comrad Leiman.
Yaw Yeboah dusted himself from the floor and sent the Austrian goalie, Cassali, the wrong way for the game’s equalizer. It was too little too late for the Ghanaians to get the winning goal though they will be happy taking a point than an opening day defeat.
Argentina’s 2-2 drawn game with Panama makes the score line a bit friendly’. Ghana next play Argentina in group B.