The Black Sharks of Ghana ended their maiden Copa Lagos tournament at fourth place as they built on the success of Morocco 2013.
Despite losing to hosts Nigeria, top seed Senegal and new champions Ivory Coast, the team left a lasting impression as it was voted the most improved African team.
Striker Emmanuel Kwevi was the second top goal scorer and an invitation by FC Barcelona to a tournament in Spain next year in March was sealed.
Ghanaian businessman Kofi Hilson donated €500 to the team for making the country proud and playing without extra motivation. “I was watching on TV and so impressed by the sharks determined spirit that I drove down here to boost their morale with this small token.”
Another Ghanaian Francis Amateyfio has also pledged to host the team anytime they have a competition in Nigeria, “We all want to win but when we lose and give 100% nobody can complain. I just learnt that they played without any motivation and that for me is the true spirit of patriotism”. The presentation was widely covered by local media.
Speaking after the team arrived in the country, The President of Ghana Beach Soccer, Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah believes the tournament was a success and there can only be positive lessons from losing to better opponents.
“For me I would call it a success, I know success is hugely interpreted in sporting terms as winning but for us in terms of plan and preparations and where we reached in the development of beach soccer, it has been a success.”
The Black Sharks are ranked 10th in Africa and 74th in the world.
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