Scotland Beat Ghana 2-0

Scotland U-21 strolled to victory over a Ghana U-21 side who never posed any real threat in front of goal. The Scots were always sharper and quicker to the ball, particularly in the early stages when they scored two goals as they showed an eagerness which the African side could not match.

It was a boost for coach Rainer Bonhof who has seen the Scots go undefeated for five matches since he took over.

Right from the start the Scots showed a decisiveness and keenness which rocked the African side.

And in the early stages they almost snatched a lead as they put the pressure on the Africans.

It was nine minutes before the Scots made their breakthrough.

A corner was tipped back by Stephen Hughes to Newcastle United's Gary Caldwell who hammered the ball into the back of the net.

Seconds later skipper Ian Murray was unlucky with a shot that rattled the crossbar.

The home side made it 2-0 when Brian Kerr advanced from the halfway line and cracked home a long-range shot.

As shot after shot rained in on the Ghana goal it was keeper Alex Agyepong who was their hero, saving from James McFadden and then Tom McManus.

It was only towards the interval that Ghana showed any real threat and a shot from Yusif Chibsah went narrowly wide.

Scotland's early rhythm was lost when coach Bonhof made changes after the interval.

But they were doing enough to blank out any threat from the Africans.

The visitors went closest to scoring midway through the second half when Saliu Muntari tracked in a drive from 35 yards which keeper David McEwan could only tip over the bar.

Teams
Ghana U21: Agyepong, Lukman (Rasheed 59), Thompson, Ocansey, Quarpey, Mantey (Agyemang 20), Peprah, Habib, Colban, Chibfah, Muntari.
Subs Not Used: Kgyir, Gariba, Amponsah.

Scotland U21: Gordon (McEwan 46), Caldwell, Kennedy, Doig, Hammell, Kerr, Duff (McParland 76), Murray (Simmons 52), Hughes (O'Brien 76), McFadden (Lynch 49), McManus (McLean 49).

Subs Not Used: McEwan, Simmons, McParland, Lynch, McLean, O'Brien.

Goals: Caldwell 9, Kerr 14.

Att: 3,119

Ref: E Blareau (Belgium).