Sports News of Tuesday, 17 May 2005
Source: William Ezah, GNA
Finals: Ghana vs Gambia
...Starlets qualify for World Cup
Banjul, Gambia, May 18, GNA - The Black Starlets of Ghana, on Tuesday cruised to the finals of the ongoing Africa Under-17 Tournament in The Gambia with a 2-0 victory over their western neighbours, Ivory Coast in a nerve breaking semi final game at the Independence Stadium.
It was a double ticket for the Starlets, who will also be one of Africa's representative at the World Under-17 Championship scheduled for Peru in September this year, after being absent for some time now. However, the Ghanaians had to wait till the second half of extra time before recording the two goals after regulation time had ended in a deadlock.
With both sides adopting a close and compact approach to their game, it became difficult for any of the sides to create a clear chance, especially in the first half, hence, most of the actions were concentrated in the midfield with no clear dominance till the end of the half.
Though the second half was quite opened for both sides, none of them seemed ready to take total control of the game in search of the opener, despite the introduction of fresh limbs by both teams.
The Ivorians sent Ngossan Antoine Jean-Ettiene for Vamarra Diarra, whilst Abubakari Awudu took over from Charles Boateng.
But in what could have been described as the best chance on the day, David Telfer of Ghana, shot wide after he bumped into a cross in the "16" yard box in the 51st minute, whilst Awudu's shot in the 72nd minute kissed the cross bar with no one to connect the rebound.
The Ivorians took up the challenge and subjected Ghana to an intense pressure as Fofana's free kick created a melee in the vital area of Ghana, but Koffi Koussi's attempt to slot in the ball, was thwarted by Danso, who cleared it to safety.
Line Up: Michael Addo/Nana Bonsu, Emmanuel Ansong, Jerry Akaminko, Ernest Danso, Kennedy Korley, James Tagoe, Charles Boateng/Emmanuel Banahene, Peter Eesien/Awudu Abubakari, David Telfer, Opoku Agyeman, Sadat Bukari