Stars falter in CHAN opener

Wad Madany, Sudan, Feb. 6, GNA - Ghana's local Black Stars slumped to a 1-2 loss to South Africa in their opening match of the Sudan 2011 African Nations Championship in Wad Madany, Sudan.

A spirited second half performance from the Amabinneplaas resulted in goals from substitutes Zimba Collen and Leonard Shabangu which annulled the opener by Daniel Larbi Coomson of Ghana.

The result of the day thus clouds the perfect start and ambitions of coach Herbert Addo and his charges, who will need to overturn the loss with positive results against Zimbabwe and Niger to be certain of a place at the next round.

The Black Stars, losing finalists at the maiden edition of the competition designed exclusive for local footballers held in Cote d'Ivoire paid the penalty for a sloppy second half performance after an inspiring start.

With the pitch at the Wad Madany stadium, located southeast of the capital Khartoum, making it difficult for ball control by both teams, the Stars took charge of the game in the early stages showing huge profits of their training camp in Kenya with Aduana goalkeeper Stephen Adams getting the nod over favourite Sammy Adjei to stand the sticks.

Enterprising midfielder Coomson put the noses of the Stars in

front on 18 minutes with a header that beat South African goalie

Shongwe Myron. The Stars led a goal up at half time but the Amabinneplaas resumed the second half more purposeful with the introduction of Zimba and Shabangu making the difference in their play, and on the hour mark, the equalizer finally came through Zimba, who slammed home.

With the game all set for a draw, Shabangu netted the winner six inutes from time to ensure a winning start for the South Africans debuting at the biennial championship.\

In the other Group B match, Niger beat Zimbabwe by a lone goal. South Africa and the Menas of Niger share top spot on three points apiece with Ghana and Zimbabwe with no point.

The local Black Stars next play Zimbabwe on Wednesday whilst Niger face South Africa both in Wad Madany.

Line- up: Ghana - Stephen Adams, Godfred Saka, Emmanuel Ansong, John Ashong, Nafiu Awudu, Mohamed Abdul-Basit, Bismark Idan, Daniel Larbi Coomson, Gilbert Fiamenyo, Yaw Alexander, Emmanuel Clottey,

South Africa - Shongwe Myron, Mashego Cambridge, Khoza Humphery, Leping Sandile, Mabena Siphiwe, Mkhwanazi Already, Shongwe Vusimuzi, Mabunda Tiyani, Knosi Kevin, Mokhasi Jacob,