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South Africa’s
Amajita shine past Ghana’s Satellites
Accra, May 30, Ghanadot/GNA – The South African U-20
national team, Amajita beat Ghana’s Black Satellites 5-3 in
an international friendly match on Saturday at the Ohene
Djan Stadium, Accra.
The clash which was organized to prepare both sides for the
FIFA U-20 World Cup slated for Egypt in September was
clearly dominated by the South Africans, who taught their
hosts some soccer lessons.
The Satellites who beat the Amajita’s 4-3 in their
semi-final clash at the African U-20 Championship in Rwanda
last January, appeared an ordinary side despite being in
camp for well over a month.
Parading a squad made up of only stand-in captain Daniel
Addo and midfielder Gladson Awako as the only members of the
team that claimed gold in the African championship in
Rwanda, it was obvious the team will lack the expected
cohesion needed to gel when it mattered most.
Right from the blast of FIFA referee Reginald Lathbridge’s
whistle signaling the two sides into action it was the
Amajita all the way with the Satellites labouring in search
of their normal rhythm.
After four minutes, Dutch side Feyenoord’s striker Kermit
Erasmus broke the deadlock by connecting home a cross from
Njabulo Ntusi before Thulani Hlatshanayo authenticated the
lead on 18 minutes.
The Ghanaian backline of Addo and Karim Alhassan of Hearts
of Oak leaked terribly and were caught wanting anytime the
South Africans attacked.
Three minutes on Sadat Karim pulled one back for the
Satellites but their joy was cut short by Erasmus who
restored his side’s two goal lead on 69 minutes after
goalkeeper Robert Adabou failed to make a firm grab of the
ball from an ensuing cross.
Four minutes later, Amajita’s captain Ramahlwe Mphalele
scored the fourth goal for his side when he connected from
the spot kick after Addo had fouled Erasmus in the penalty
area.
The Satellites fought back and succeeded in reducing the
deficit through Addo and Larbi Koomson in the 77th and 80th
minutes respectively.
With an equalizer in sight, the hopes of the Satellites were
dashed after four minutes from substitute Philane Khwela who
sealed victory for the Amajita following a blunder by
substitute Musah Inusah who failed to clear his lines.
Amajita’s will wrap up their Ghana tour with another test
against Premier League leaders Accra Hearts of Oak on
Monday, June 1 at the Ohene Djan Stadium.
Line up:
Ghana – Robert Adabou, David Addo, Samuel Kyere, Alhassan
Karim/Musah Inusah, James Bissue, Ekow Benson/Latifu Salifu,
Gladson Awako, Larbi Coomson, Sadat Karim/Issac Donkor,
Ghandy Kassenu
South Africa – Thela Ngobeni, Ramahlwe Mphalele, Njabulo
Ntusi, Sibisiso Khi=umalo, Thulani Hlatshanayo, Andile Jali,
Daylon Claasen, Thulane Serero/Philane Khwela, Mandla
Masango, Sameechs Toufie, Kermit Erasmus/Thulani Ngcepe
GNA
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