Accra, July 14, GNA - The Black Sticks of Ghana on Tuesday were held to a one all draw game by Egypt in the last group game of the on- going Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF) Cup for Nations at the National Hockey Stadium in Accra.
Ghana has thus failed to progress to the finals of the competition after they lost two and drew one in the three group matches played. Even though the team played a much more improved game as compared to previous ones and managed to score in the 31st minute, they could not hold on to the lead as it was cancelled in the second period by the Egyptians. Ghana's goal, which came from the stick of Daniel Lamptey came as a result of a swift counter attack initiated by the Black Sticks for the half to end in favour with the Ghanaians with the partisan crowd cheering them on for more.
However, the second half saw the Black Sticks maintaining their hold on the Egyptians but missed some begging chances, whilst Egypt made good use of a penalty corner in the 49th minute to draw level. It was Samir Mohamed who made sure of converting the ball with perfection when he looped the ball into the net.
The Ghanaians from then struggled to regain their leadership but it was not enough to see them succeed. Earlier, South Africa maintained their unbeaten run with a 8-0 thrashing of Nigeria to claim a place in Saturday's final. The South Africans, who are yet to concede a goal at the Championship, led 3-0 at half time before sealing victory with five more goals in the final half.
Gareth Carr was the hero for the continent's best ranked team with a hat-trick all from the penalty corner. Mc Dade Thornton scored twice whilst Harper Marvin, Reid-Ross Justin and Norris Jones Lloyd netted a goal each to sink the Nigerians. It was the second time the South Africans had scored eight times in a match at the tourney after chalking a similar margin victory over hosts Ghana on the opening day. 15 July 09
