Starlets' duo picked up for doping

(From Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Lome, Togo, courtesy Ministry of Education, Science and Sports)

Lome, March 21, GNA - Two players of Ghana's U-17 football the Black Starlets have been picked up for doping test. The two who are skipper of the side, Benjamin Owusu and Abeiku Quansah had their samples taken for the doping test after the team's abortive semi final match against Togo on Tuesday. Ghana relinquished an early lead to lose the game 1-2 to the host, Togo.

The doping exercise becomes Ghana's first since the competition commenced last week.

Both are first team players of the Starlets. Doping exercise forms part of the Federation of International Football Association's (FIFA) way of eliminating the possible usage of banned substances among players.

Dr Andrew Ayim, the Starlets physician told the GNA Sports in Lome that he was not expecting any adverse findings.

Results of the tests are expected in about a fortnight's time. Owusu has started in all of the games so far played by the Starlets.

He is considered as a crucial link in the Starlets rear where his advantageous height has often come in handy. Quansah is a fine midfielder who has started three games and was on the bench in another game. His fighting spirit and dedicated approach to games makes him a reliable first team player. 23 March 07