Kuffour scores to celebrate testimonial

Samuel Osei-Kuffour marked his testimonial with a goal as his select side rolled back the years despite losing 6-5 to Black Stars select team at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday.

The 35-year-old defender scored from the spot in the first half for the 'Friends of Kuffour' as he celebrated over 15 year's professional service to the game.


Ex-President's Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufour joined the Asantehene, Otumfour Osei-Tutu II and Ghana Football Association President, Kwesi Nyantakyi to bid farewell to the Kuffour, a three-time Ghana Footballer of the Year.


After two goals by Samuel Inkoom was ruled out for offside, the ex-defender Kuffour claimed the spotlight when he opened scoring from the spot after Isaac Vorsah had fouled George Weah in the box.


The lead lasted barely two minutes when Andre Ayew's goal-bound shot was helped in by a sliding Kuffour.


Derek Boateng doubled the scoring for the Black Stars select beating former Ivorian goalkeeper Alain Guame.

Jordan Ayew then extended the lead, making it 3-1.


The 'Friends of Kuffour' team pulled one back before halftime through former Black Stars captain C.K Akunnor before Inkoom scored.


Back from recess, Kuffour swapped sides to take his place in the Black Stars side.


Laryea Kingston scored for Kuffour's side from a free-kick just two minutes into the second half.


But that spurred on the energetic Black Stars side,who scored twice on the bounce through Sulley Muntari and John Mensah in the 60th and 63rd minutes, making it 6-3.

Abdoulaye Traore reduced the deficit for the retired players when he converted a spot kick. Traore scored again to set up a great finish but the Black Stars held .


With an impressive attendance, Kuffour did the lap of honour, bringing the curtain down to colourful playing career.


He spent a successful period with Bayen Munich from 1993 to 2005 and won everything there is in club football from the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup.


Kuffour was named by CAF as one of the 30 best African footballers of all time and was twice, 1999 and 2001, runner-up in the Africa footballer of the year award.


He featured for Torino, Bayern Munich, AS Roma, Livorno and Ajax during his playing career.