Faisal pip All Blacks in Kumasi

Kumasi, Jan. 18, GNA - A 47th penalty converted by Abdul Samad Oppong of Kumasi King Faisal Babies turned out to be the only goal and match winner against visiting Gamba All Blacks their Seventh Week Glo Premier League match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.

The spot kick came when Faisal's nimble dribbler, Enock Ebo Ando was brought down by All Blacks Amadu Adams while the striker was in a position to score just at the glaring face of Tamale-based class One Referee A. A. Alhassan.

Faisal was the one's to attempt to draw first blood when the match was just seven minutes old but a cross from Samad Oppong went a begging with two of his strikers failing to add the needed touch into the net. The Alhaji Gruzah lads continued to probe for the leader and earned a free kick in the 11th minute just outside the box but the resultant kick by Samad Oppong hit a defender and bounced into play while Ebo Ando also hit the side netting in the 22nd minute.

All Blacks improved on their game and came close to scoring but their attackers on occasions failed to translate any of the opportunities that came their way into goals in the 24th, 34th and 38th minutes respectively.

In the 44th minute Faisal also wasted a free kick while Obed Owusu of All Blacks also squandered an opportunity in the 45th minute when his shot missed the post narrowly to end the half goalless.

Faisal however managed to take the lead in the 47th minute through the penalty and from then kept their defence tight but despite the substitutions made by both teams and the incessant raids by the visitors in search of the equalizer, the score line remained the same till the final whistle for the end of hostilities.