Abuja 2003: Ghana Thrashed, but....

...Win the Hearts of the Fans and the South African Captain

The Ghana Men national team were beaten 4-0 by a well-organised South African team but the South African captain, Jackson was the first to admit that the scoreline was flattering and expressed the enormous respect he had for the team. 'This was our toughest match so far, not even Egypt gave us such a game' said Jackson.

The Ghanaians were not overawed by the tactical play of the South Africans and matched them in all aspects of the game except scoring. The deadly SA penalty specialist Justin King converted 3 of the corners they created and Evans got a one with a classic finish. The Ghanaians were resolute in defence and midfield and the few times they ventured forward, Oblie and Nartey failed to make a huge impresssion. Indeed, Oblie should have gotten a goal for the Ghanaians when he left the SA defence in his wake but failed to beat the goalie. Goalie Gideon Amegavie and his defence were fantastic on the day but had no answers to the 3 penalty corner strikes of the South Africans.

As the log stands now, Ghana will definately play for bronze in the worst case scenario, having won won 1 game, drawn 1 and lost 1. The game with Egypt on Tuesday will determine whether they play for Gold or Bronze.

In the other men's match, Nigeria humbled Zimbabwe 5-1 to go ahead of the Ghanains on the log.

In the Women category, the Ghana Women's team laboured but eventually managed a 5-2 win over Zimbabwe. Bea Darko got 2 goals, Hagar Laryea, Abass Ramatu and Victoria Dautey got a goal each to gladen the hearts of the Ghanaians. The women are also poised to play for bronze in the worst case scenario, but a win over a Kenya who thay play Monday evening and a slip on the part of the Nigerians, will see them contesting for Gold.

In the other ladies' matches. South Africa showed no mercy on Nigeria when they slammed them 7-0 in a foul-strewn game.