Satellites Thrashed

The South African U-20 national team, Amajita beat Ghana's Black Satellites 5-3 in an international friendly match on Saturday at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra.

The clash which was organized to prepare both sides for the FIFA U-20 World Cup slated for Egypt in September was clearly dominated by the South Africans, who taught their hosts some soccer lessons. The Satellites who beat the Amajita's 4-3 in their semi-final clash at the African U-20 Championship in Rwanda last January, appeared an ordinary side despite being in camp for well over a month.

Parading a squad made up of only stand-in captain Daniel Addo and midfielder Gladson Awako as the only members of the team that claimed gold in the African championship in Rwanda, it was obvious the team will lack the expected cohesion needed to gel when it mattered most. Right from the blast of FIFA referee Reginald Lathbridge's whistle signaling the two sides into action it was the Amajita all the way with the Satellites labouring in search of their normal rhythm. After four minutes, Dutch side Feyenoord's striker Kermit Erasmus broke the deadlock by connecting home a cross from Njabulo Ntusi before Thulani Hlatshanayo authenticated the lead on 18 minutes. The Ghanaian backline of Addo and Karim Alhassan of Hearts of Oak leaked terribly and were caught wanting anytime the South Africans attacked.

Three minutes on Sadat Karim pulled one back for the Satellites but their joy was cut short by Erasmus who restored his side's two goal lead on 69 minutes after goalkeeper Robert Adabou failed to make a firm grab of the ball from an ensuing cross.

Four minutes later, Amajita's captain Ramahlwe Mphalele scored the fourth goal for his side when he connected from the spot kick after Addo had fouled Erasmus in the penalty area.

The Satellites fought back and succeeded in reducing the deficit through Addo and Larbi Koomson in the 77th and 80th minutes respectively.

With an equalizer in sight, the hopes of the Satellites were dashed after four minutes from substitute Philane Khwela who sealed victory for the Amajita following a blunder by substitute Musah Inusah who failed to clear his lines.

Amajita's will wrap up their Ghana tour with another test against Premier League leaders Accra Hearts of Oak on Monday, June 1 at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

Line up: Ghana - Robert Adabou, David Addo, Samuel Kyere, Alhassan Karim/Musah Inusah, James Bissue, Ekow Benson/Latifu Salifu, Gladson Awako, Larbi Coomson, Sadat Karim/Issac Donkor, Ghandy Kassenu

South Africa - Thela Ngobeni, Ramahlwe Mphalele, Njabulo Ntusi, Sibisiso Khi=3Dumalo, Thulani Hlatshanayo, Andile Jali, Daylon Claasen, Thulane Serero/Philane Khwela, Mandla Masango, Sameechs Toufie, Kermit Erasmus/Thulani Ngcepe