Abuja 2003: Ghana Suffer Set-back in Medal Dream

The Ghana women's national team failed to shine this evening when they took on an impressive Nigerian women's team, losing 0-2. The Nigerians made their 6 week tour to Germany count as they dominated the game in all aspects and converted two of their penalty corners to spark-off a wild celebration at the Abuja Hockey Stadium.

The Ghananians were again lethagic, slow, and simply unimpressive. They lost all the 50-50 balls in midfield and lacked ideas in attack. They even failed to convert a penalty stroke awarded in the 55 minute as Bea Darko pushed weakly for the Nigeraina goalie to save. On the stroke of full time, Ghana could have earned a face-saving goal, but again, with the goal at their mercy in a penalty corner situation, they failed to convert.

Nigeria started the game strongly, dominated play and looked more likely to score. The Ghanaians struggled through the early minutes and conceded a penalty corner goal in the 9th minute. The cheer that greeted the goal rocked the very foundation of the stadium and gave the Nigerians extra tonic to fight for all balls, winning almost 80% in all instances.

Back from recess, the Ghanaians picked-up their game but fizzled out shortly with the Nigerians taking full control of the game. They had to wait till the 67th minute to put the icing on the cake and intensify the Nigerian celebrations.

In the first match of the day, South Africa run amok beating Namibia 8-0 in a one-sided game. Namibia were happy to keep the scoreline low and it showed in the celebration that followed the match.

In the other match, Kenya made amends for their heavy loss to South Africa when they overcame stubborn Zimbabwe 1-0.

In Friday's fixtures, Ghana men will attempt to put some smile on the faces of everyone with a win over Zimbabwe while Nigeria will exert themselves to keep their double medal hopes alive.