Sports News of Monday, 1 March 1999

Source: --

Standings of group A teams after the final matches of the African Under-20 youth soccer tournament tonight in Accra.

Kumasi, (Ashanti Region) 1 March, '99 --

Guinea beat fellow strugglers, Malawi 3-2 in the fifth group "B" match of the Africa Under-20 Youth Football Tournament at the Kumasi Sports Stadium in Kumasi Sunday. The Malawians, who were more skilful, confused their opponents with deft touches and looked like sweeping the Guineans off their feet soon after they had kicked-off. But the Guineans surprised them with the first goal in the ninth minute when Youle Soulaymane headed wide off goalkeeper Malunga Kachibowo into the net. The Malawians had not settled when the Guineans struck again in the 17th minute as Camara Macdonald scored with a left-footed shot from 20 metres as the goalkeeper was caught flat-footed. The Malawians were presented with a chance to score in the 26th minute when the Guinean defence was turned inside out, but Sangala George's shot from close range was saved. Four minutes later, Malawi were denied a goal when Chirwa Maxwell rounded the defence but his shot hit the post as the Guinean goalkeeper Abdoulaye sprawled on the ground and the rebound was cleared. Guinea raised the score to 3-0 through Camara Mohamed, who shot past goalkeeper Kachibowo in the 47th minute. The fleet-footed Malawians, despite the handicap, attacked in bursts as the Guinean defence was pressurised and pulled a goal back in the 58th minute through Mwangonde Muzipasi. The Malawians, cheered on by the sparse crowd, formed rings around the Guineans, who had to play it hard to stem the menacing moves of their opponents. The Malawians appeared stronger as they piled on the pressure but their attackers failed to utilise the numerous chances they created. Enraged Malawi missed a chance when Yobe Macdonald headed over the bar from Muzipasi's cross in the 77th minute as the goalkeeper was out of his posts. Malawi were awarded a spot-kick in the 90th minute when over-lapping full back Peter Mponda was felled in the box. Fazili Mbundi converted to bring the final score to 3-2. Skipper Peter Mponda of Malawi won the best player award of the match. Scorers: Guinea: Youla Souleymane (9), Camara Mohamed (17, 47) Malawi: Yobe Macdonald (58), Fazili Mbundi (90 pen) GRi .../