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Stars sweat to beat Azingos
Accra, June 22, Ghanadot/GNA – An
unimpressive Ghana side managed to beat the Azingo Nationale
of Gabon 2-0 in their Group Five clash of the 2010 World
Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday at the Ohene
Djan Sports Stadium, Accra.
Goals from Prince Tagoe and Sulley Ali Muntari saw the Stars
avenge a 2-0 margin loss in the first leg encounter between
the two sides in Libreville last week to maintain their hold
at the summit of the group.
The Stars moved to nine points from four games with the
victory that was born out of a credible opposition from the
Gabonese.
As early as the 12th minute, Issa Ahmed, starting in central
defence in the absence of injured Eric Addo limped off after
a thigh strain, but returned four minutes with a bandaged
thigh.
After initial struggle by both teams in search of their game
plan, it was the Stars who began raids into the half of the
Gabonese with the striking duo of Tagoe and Manuel ‘Junior’
Agogo leading the attack.
In the 18th minute, Agogo made the first attempt at goal but
his effort was deflected off Gabon’s defender Bernard Bibang
to safety.
Tagoe, the brightest of the Stars’ set up in the opening
minutes was a constant threat to the Gabonese with his
combined power, speed and skills making him winner of
several challenges.
Two minutes after he hit the upright after benefiting from
an Agogo pass and this was the turning point for the Stars,
whose midfield of Michael Essien, Anthony Annan, Laryea
Kingston and Muntari had been on course.
On the half hour mark, Tagoe broke the deadlock from a solo
effort after beating a hard pressed Ecuele Manga in an
aerial tussle.
Gingered by the lead, the Stars held dominance but lacked
real threats upfront.
In the 41st minute, petit midfielder Annan delivered as
thunderbolt of a shot straight into the net from outside of
the box but the South African referee Damon Jerome ruled the
effort as offside to the displeasure and surprise of the
home fans.
In between play, Gabon came close to drawing level but Meye
Roguy made a mess of two good opportunities that came his
way.
The Stars resumed the second half more composed and should
have doubled the lead after just three minutes, but Tagoe
missed from a close range with goalkeeper Didier Ovono
committed.
John Boye replaced injured Ahmed who appeared unable to
continue in the 59th minute with Quincy Owusu-Abeyie coming
on for Kingston.
With 16 minutes to conclude proceedings, Muntari
consolidated the Stars lead from a slam cross by
Owusu-Abeyie from the right flank to beat the Gabonese
keeper.
The Stars had to play the last four minutes with a man less
after Annan got injured. Ghana will next play Libya in
Tripoli in September in the second round of the Group’s
features.
Line up – Ghana:
Richard Kingston, John Painstil, Harrison Afful, Issa
Ahmed/John Boye, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Laryea
Kingston/Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Michael Essien, Manuel
‘Junior’ Agogo/ Haminu Dramani, Prince Tagoe and Sulley Ali
Muntari.
Gabon:
Ovono Ebang Didier, Obeing Bibang Bernard, Akouassaga
Ernest, Ecuele Manga Bruno, Ecuele Manga, Nguema Obame,
Kessany Zatengwa, Moubamba Cedric, Issiemou Thierry, Nguema
Stephane, Mbanagoye Bruno/Nzigou Shiva Star, Meye Roguy/Akiremy
Owondo.
GNA
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