Ghana returns 'home' for World Cup finale

Ghana's soccer team returned to Portland on Friday to play its final game in the 2003 Women's World Cup, against Australia in a Group D matchup.

The teams play the first game of today's doubleheader, starting at 5:15 p.m.

In the 1999 Women's World Cup, the Black Queens tied Australia 1-1.

Even though Ghana won't advance from group play, the Black Queens continue to enhance their reputation at the international level, and they have become Portland's unofficial home team.

"We've met very nice people here," Ghana forward Alberta Sackey said. "There's a lot of Ghanaian community here, too. Everyone has made us feel welcome."

Ghana's soccer delegation had a plan to build team cohesiveness, to allow players to get to know each other, and to develop a higher level of play, even if it meant leaving Africa for an extended period.

Coach Oko Ayree scouted places in Arizona and around Portland, and he settled on this area because of its combination of competition and facilities.

Ghana's team arrived in Portland in August and spent six weeks living in a hotel and training at and near Tigard High School.

"We have played quality matches since we have been here," Ayree said. "We are very happy," with the move to Portland.

The Black Queens played eight exhibition games, against such teams as Canada's national team, which also is in the World Cup, defending NCAA champion University of Portland and Portland State.

At most games, Ghanaians came out to embrace the team and bring a little homeland to the sidelines.

Master drummer Obo Addy brought musicians to several games. They played no-rest traditional Ghanaian rhythms throughout the games before going onto the field and engaging players and fans in a little African celebration.

Away from the game, players shopped and hung out at the hotel.

"Living together has helped to make more rapid progress," assistant coach Mike Akpey said.

The team also found time to put on clinics for young players in the area.

"If we were training in Ghana, we'd just have team training and trial matches," Akpey said at one of the Black Queens' last clinics before the tournament began Sept. 20. "We wouldn't have time to do this, and it's lovely."