.... in Essien's Charity Game of Hope
Africa XI beat a select side from World XI best footballers 4-2, in Michael Essien's game of hope at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The game which is to raise funds for charity events by the Michael Essien Foundation saw an array of some of the greatest football talents around the world.
Former German captain, and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Ballack, Ricardo Carvalho, Djibril Cisse were among players who paraded for the World XI whilst Ghana's own Michael Essien, Jayjay Okocha, Adebayor, all the Ayew brothers and their uncle Kwame Ayew featured for the Africa XI.
Myjoyonline.com's Nathan Gadugah watched the game from the Accra Sports Stadium and gave the following live updates:
The atmosphere is gradually building up; a great weather so convenient for football.
The Stars have just a while ago returned to the dugout after a short warm up. They will soon be making a return to begin friendly hostilities.
The Stars are back on the pitch and after brief pleasantries, hostilities have begun.
The game is being played at such a slow pace and its quite understandable- it is a friendly game with nothing at stake, just the fun of it.
Stephen Appiah, Sheyi Adebayor and Jayjay Okocha have shown glimpses of individual brilliance and dexterity.
Africa XI wins a penalty, a controversial one I must say. Michael Essien steps up to the challenge and bang, he scores.
Adebayor was deemed to have been fouled by Jamal Blackman in post for the World XI.
Its one all now, courtesy Djibril Cisse former Liverpool striker. The French man placed the ball beyond the reach of Richard Kingston in post for the Africa XI and guess what, he does the Azonto with panache. .
But oo Africa XI are back in front and it is Ghanaian born Dutch international George Boateng who restores the lead with a sublime volley beyond the reach of Blackman.
Jayjay Okocha increases tally for Africa XI and credit to Adebayor who dummied the goal keeper and eith an empty net, he invited Okocha to kick it in.
Its 3-1 now.
Stephen Tonado Appiah is out and he receives a thundrous applause.
The game is now on recess and its highlife sensation Kwabena Kwabena who is dishing out some of his greatest tunes. Awilo Logomba has taken over wiggling his waist to some of danceable tunes.
The second half begins.
Nothing much has changed, except Adebayor and Okocha who are up to one trick or another. The fans love their skill and cheer every stepover.
But it is the World XI side who nearly got a goal. Cisse sent delivered an inch perfect ball which whisked just wide.
World XI pulls one back to make it 3-2.
Haminu Dramani's superb goal increases tally of Africa XI to 4-2. game over.
