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Soccer News of Saturday, 26 June 2004

Source: JFM

Black Stars Beat Mambas 1-0

Ghana?s Black Stars on Friday continued with their winning spree this time in Maputo, where they beat the Mambas of Mozambique 1-0 before a large home crowd.

The Black Stars scored the only goal through Italy-based Asamoah Gyan in the second half of the game after coming on as a substitute.

The Udinese player came on for his senior brother, Baffour Gyan in the second half of the game and gave Ghana the match winner.

The game was to commonrate activities marking Mozambique?s Independence Day anniversary.

But for Ghana coach, Mariano Barreto, the game formed part of his team?s preparations ahead of the world cup qualifier against the Cranes of Uganda on July 3.
Ghana played Friday?s game without four key players who did not make the Maputo trip.
Juventus midfielder, Stephen Appiah who was reported injured missed the trip.
Stephen Appiah pulled out of the trip due to a minor injury he picked during the world cup game against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Sunday.
Also, three more Black Stars players; Samuel Osei Kuffour, Michael Essien and Ibrahim Tanko pulled out of the Maputo training tour.
The trio were granted permission by Ghana coach, Mariano Barreto and the FA management board.
Meanwhile, Ghana coach, Mariano Barreto would be counting the cost for Friday?s game following injuries to two of his strikers.
Reports indicate that goalscorer Asamoah Gyan is down with a hamstring while Kojo Poku is also injured with barely a week to the game against the Cranes.

Line-Up: Adjei/Owu Quaye Pappoe Coleman Kofi Amponsah Hamza Tierro Yahuza Kojo Poku Baffuor Gyan/Asamoah Gyan Taylor