Ghana post morale-boosting win over Jamaica

LEICESTER, England (AFP) - Ghana did much to put memories of their disappointing African Nations Cup campaign behind them as they continued their preparations for the World Cup with a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Jamaica.

Their captain Stephen Appiah was at the centre of a much-improved display, scoring twice with deflected shots.

The explanation for Ghana's poor showing at the African Nations in January, in which they were eliminated at the group stage, was always that they were missing three key players through injury - Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan.

All were involved on Monday, and the result was a feeling of far greater drive and purpose than they achieved in Egypt.

A comfortable victory should build confidence, but given how poor Jamaica were in the early stages it is hard to know how much to read into their performance.

Jamaica arrived late, having apparently been caught in traffic, causing kick-off to be delayed by 30 minutes, and it took them another half-hour to find their feet.

The movement of Ghana's midfield four was impressive, and certainly contributed to their two early goals, but against better opposition, it is unlikely that they will be able to maintain such fluidity without a loss of defensive shape.

There must be question-marks too about centre-back John Mensah's lack of pace, and goalkeeper Sammy Adjei's inability to deal with crosses. From an attacking point of view, though, Ghana can be significantly encouraged.

Jamaica may have been woefully disorganised, but even weak opposition needs beating, and Ghana made sure they had the game wrapped up early. They took the lead after six minutes, a neat flick from Appiah finding Gyan, and when his low shot was fumbled by Donovan Ricketts, Muntari stroked in the rebound.

They almost had a second five minutes later, as Eric Addo's clever pull-back found Matthew Amoah, whose shot was deflected wide off the back of Damien Stewart.

Another attempt at a diving block after 17 minutes, though, was rather less effective.

Stewart would perhaps be forgiven for thinking that he had done his bit as he headed clear a cross from Daniel Quaye, but nobody picked up Appiah as the ball dropped on the edge of the box, and as the centre-back charged to block, he succeeded only in diverting the Ghana captain's volley into the top corner of his own net.

Jamaica, to their credit, rallied after half-time, and pulled one back through Jason Euell after 57 minutes. Briefly a comeback was threatened, but the two-goal margin was soon restored, Appiah advancing on to Essien's pass, and seeing his low drive glance in off the heel of Claude Davis.

Two minutes later Amoah added the fourth, following in after Ricketts had spilled Gyan's drive.