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Ghana's Starlets cruise on
Accra, Aug 20, Ghanadot/GNA - National U-17 soccer team,
Black Starlets cruised on with Ghana's hope for a third
global title at the FIFA world Championship when they
spanked Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 in a Group F opener on
Monday in South Korea.
The Ghanaians who are making their eight appearance at the
competition they won in 1991 and 1995, scored thrice in the
first half before wrapping up the game late to jump to the
summit of the four-team table with three points that
includes Germany and Columbia.
Sadick Adams gave the scanty Ghanaian fans dotted across the
Cheonan Sports Complex a reason to expect a rainy day when
he tore open the Trinidad and Tobago rear but surprisingly
shot wide with just the yawning net in sight.
That move soared the team's confidence and opened the way
for Ransford Osei who grabbed the opener in the 11th minute.
Osei profited from a move initiated by Daniel Opare when the
latter raced above his marker from the left flank, cut deep
into the middle before instigating the final pass for the
former to hit the back of the net with the ball in a manner
that left Trinidad's goalkeeper Samuel Glenroy exposed.
The Starlets though not playing particularly well, managed a
few chances, but consistent calls of offside by the
assistant referee ensured their appetite for more goals was
suppressed with the offside traps well executed by their
opponents.
However the creative genius, Ishmael Yartey who struggled to
stay in his element had a rear breakthrough with the offside
traps on the 20 minute mark but with only Glenroy to beat,
the All Blacks winger squeezed the ball on the goalie's body
to the dismay of all.
The pendulum of action fast swung into Trinidad and
Toibago's favour and in one of the scarce threat to the two
times world champions, it was Ghana's goalkeeper Joseph Addo
who ensure the scores remained unchanged with a fine save.
Ghana was to strike again just when their opponents seemed
to be settling down with incessant raids that saw Osei's
well taken shot kissing the post and deflecting to safety on
the 35th minute.
Ten minutes on, Osei got lucky with his second, as he
finished Abeiku Quansah's set up after the creative
midfielder tore the defence into shreds before laying that
pass.
Inspired by the goal, Adams made it three on the stroke of
half time by feasting on Opare's sweat.
The second half produced less action, but gave indication of
the fine telepathic understanding that proved the strength
of the Ghanaian youngsters.
In their quest for redemption, the losers managed a
consolation goal with a thunder bolt shot from substitute
Stephen Compbell from a set piece just beyond the final
third with 10 minutes left of play.
Substitute Kelvin Bossman grabbed Ghana's fourth five
minutes later to ensure total victory. Ghana next plays
Germany on Thursday.
Line-up
Joseph Addo, Paul Addo, Daniel Opare, Francis Boadi, Tetteh
Nortey, Abeiku Quansah, Enoch Adu/Abdul Naza Alhassan,
Sadick Adams/ Kelvin Bossman , Ransford Osei, Ishmael Yartey,
Philip Boampong/ Richard Mpong .
GNA
GNA
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