Stars sweat to beat Azingos

Accra, June 22, GNA - An unimpressive Ghana side managed to beat the Azingo Nationale of Gabon 2-0 in their Group Five clash of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, Accra.

Goals from Prince Tagoe and Sulley Ali Muntari saw the Stars avenge a 2-0 margin loss in the first leg encounter between the two sides in Libreville last week to maintain their hold at the summit of the group. The Stars moved to nine points from four games with the victory that was born out of a credible opposition from the Gabonese. As early as the 12th minute, Issa Ahmed, starting in central defence in the absence of injured Eric Addo limped off after a thigh strain, but returned four minutes with a bandaged thigh.

After initial struggle by both teams in search of their game plan, it was the Stars who began raids into the half of the Gabonese with the striking duo of Tagoe and Manuel 'Junior' Agogo leading the attack. In the 18th minute, Agogo made the first attempt at goal but his effort was deflected off Gabon's defender Bernard Bibang to safety. Tagoe, the brightest of the Stars' set up in the opening minutes was a constant threat to the Gabonese with his combined power, speed and skills making him winner of several challenges. Two minutes after he hit the upright after benefiting from an Agogo pass and this was the turning point for the Stars, whose midfield of Michael Essien, Anthony Annan, Laryea Kingston and Muntari had been on course.

On the half hour mark, Tagoe broke the deadlock from a solo effort after beating a hard pressed Ecuele Manga in an aerial tussle. Gingered by the lead, the Stars held dominance but lacked real threats upfront.

In the 41st minute, petit midfielder Annan delivered as thunderbolt of a shot straight into the net from outside of the box but the South African referee Damon Jerome ruled the effort as offside to the displeasure and surprise of the home fans.

In between play, Gabon came close to drawing level but Meye Roguy made a mess of two good opportunities that came his way. The Stars resumed the second half more composed and should have doubled the lead after just three minutes, but Tagoe missed from a close range with goalkeeper Didier Ovono committed.

John Boye replaced injured Ahmed who appeared unable to continue in the 59th minute with Quincy Owusu-Abeyie coming on for Kingston. With 16 minutes to conclude proceedings, Muntari consolidated the Stars lead from a slam cross by Owusu-Abeyie from the right flank to beat the Gabonese keeper.

The Stars had to play the last four minutes with a man less after Annan got injured. Ghana will next play Libya in Tripoli in September in the second round of the Group's features.

Line up - Ghana: Richard Kingston, John Painstil, Harrison Afful, Issa Ahmed/John Boye, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Laryea Kingston/Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Michael Essien, Manuel 'Junior' Agogo/ Haminu Dramani, Prince Tagoe and Sulley Ali Muntari.

Gabon: Ovono Ebang Didier, Obeing Bibang Bernard, Akouassaga Ernest, Ecuele Manga Bruno, Ecuele Manga, Nguema Obame, Kessany Zatengwa, Moubamba Cedric, Issiemou Thierry, Nguema Stephane, Mbanagoye Bruno/Nzigou Shiva Star, Meye Roguy/Akiremy Owondo. 22 June 08