Accra, April 15, GNA – The Black Princesses have reached the final round of the qualifiers for the 2012 World Cup in Japan after beating South Africa 3-0 on Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Goals from Priscilla Saahene, sunstitute Jane Ayieam and Elizabeth Addo gave the Princesses a 3-0 win to take their tally to five goals over two legs and earn them a place at the ultimate round of the qualifiers.
Saahene, who had a low-key day shot Ghana ahead in 11 minutes from 25 yards after Florence Dadson was fouled close to the visitor’s area. The petit stepped forward to effect the kick and managed to wipe one over the human wall and beat goalkeeper Kayliin Swart in post.
As if hit by the goal, the South Africans regrouped and almost drew parity a minute on when Robyn Moodaly who had a wonderful afternoon saw her well taken freekick miss target narrowly to the relieve of the Ghana bench headed by Robert Sackey.
The visitors soaked up the pressure very well, resulting into catching the Princesses on the break which they succeeded with Rigina Mogolola, Alice Khosa and Maphuthi Manamela as architects.
Soon, Dadson who had giving the South African defence enough headaches exited with an injury to be replaced Ayieam who eventually got the second goal for Ghana after she was picked up by a ball from the flanks.
Ayieam’s goal, a classy header in the 65 minutes which consolidated the Princesses lead came after Ghana’s goalkkeper Nana Ama Asantewaa pulled a save from Khosa’s treat and turned defence into attack.
One-two passes the ball had reached the South Africa defence and with Ayieam darting to meet an inswing from the flanks, she towered her markers and headed beautifully to beat Swart in post.
The goal deflated the South Africans who had stayed the better side from recess. Ghana would up their game again and seven minutes on, Addo sealed victory from the spot after advancing Ayieam was brought flying.
Ghana will face Tunisia or Kenya at the final round.
