Black Hands’ tight rope

GHANA’s chances of qualifying to compete in handball at this year’s All Africa Games stand threatened unless they, win convincingly against Cote d’Ivoire today.

The men and women’s national teams lost the opening matches in the two-nation SCSA Zone III qualifiers and they both need to win if they are to make an appearance at the September Games.

But while it is quite dicey for the ladies, the Ghanaian men who won bronze at the 1999 Games, have a chance of winning if they lift their game.

From the first matches played last Thursday at the Prisons Sports Complex, it was obvious that the Ivorian ladies were far more superior to their Ghanaian counterparts.

They showed much more experience in their tactics and overall performance, which saw them winning 30-17 at the end of the game.

It is an uphill task playing against a side that is coming into this game with a World Championship experience as well as a one match advantage.

But if they strengthen their defence, more brilliant shows from goalkeeper Patience Bokor as well as good shots from Rosina Lomo and Hajara Mohammed, could surprise their guests.

The men’s battle could be fought on an equal footing except that the Ivorians are a match up courtesy the 29-26 victory earned in the first match.

The Ghanaians have what it takes and only need to be more constructive with their shots and their game plan.