Local Black Stars beat Niger

Tamale, March 30, GNA - The Ghana Black Stars, Local Senior National Team, on Sunday beat Niger 2 - 0 in the first leg preliminary match of the CAF African Nations Championship, Cote d'Ivoire 2009, played at the Tamale Sports Stadium.

The Nigeriens started the first half in a whirlwind fashion as they made dangerous incursions into the Ghanaian vital area but they warded-off.


As the match progressed the Ghanaians warmed themselves up into the game and dominated play. It, therefore, came as no surprise when in the 12th minute they got the first goal through John Boye through a free kick taken by Ekow Benson.


Eric Bekoe in the 18th minute made another attempt at goal but his shot hit the upright and went out safely.


The match from then on moved into a fierce stage, with the Stars making many incursions into the half of the Nigeriens. Anicet Pascal of Niger brought down Baba Iddi during one of such moves in the 24th minute and he was taken off the pitch.

The Liberian Referee, Sam Korpre showed Bekoe the yellow card when he shot at goal after the whistle had gone for offside positioning. In the second department of the game, over elaboration and impatience denied the Ghanaians more goals. Even though the visitors conceded numerous corner kicks the strikers failed to convert their chances into goals.


In the 55th minute Dominic Adiyiah increased the tally for the Black Stars to two when he netted home a neat goal initiated by Iddi and Bekoe during a goalmouth tussle. As the game was coasting to an end, Bekoe hit the side of the Nigerien net.


Niger would host Ghana in two weeks time in Niamey.