Ghana progress at the expense of Togo at nations Championship

Accra, May 17, GNA - Ghana's local Black Stars progressed to the next stage of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the expense of Togo's Hawks in the second leg of their match despite a two all drawn game played at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Saturday. The Togolese at 'home' at their adopted base in Accra had the task of overturning a 0-2 deficit in the first leg but lacked the zeal to steal qualification from the 'visitors'.

On an afternoon where Ghana's team was dominated by tired Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Ashantigold and Heart of Lions players, play was a bit sluggish until John Boye shot the visitors ahead on the18 minute mark. Boye who proved a king in defence had joined the team's attack built around Eric Bekoe for a corner kick and ascended beyond all to head home from close range.

Buoyed by the lead, Ghana began to dominate proceedings and it took great effort from Togolese goalkeeper Robert Jean Klomega to charge down a heavy laden shot from Agyeman Badu to deny the striker the chance to consolidate the lead three minutes on.

The Hawks were to react and had their toil rewarded with just a minute to end the first half when Alenouvo Backer capped a beautiful move initiated by Alex Kinvi-Boli with a header that left Ghana's goalie, Fatua Dauda exposed.

Ghana resumed the second half a better side and Bekoe fetched the second only six minutes into proceedings. The player took a beautiful back hill from Ekow Benson's free-kick from just outside the area. The goal pushed Togo to fight with extra vigour which produced immense excitement and finally gave them the equalizer with seven minutes left to play.

Backer who had a grand afternoon sneaked between Ghana's defence and advancing goalkeeper Dauda to profit from a misunderstanding to pull his side level but it was not enough to see them through to the next stage of the competition.