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19.11.2008 Sports News

Ghana held by Tunisia

By Ghana FA
Ghana held by Tunisia
19.11.2008 LISTEN

Milovan Rajevac had the opportunity of running the rule on a number of players as Ghana were held to a goalless draw by Tunisia in an international friendly in Accra on Wednesday.

The evening kickoff produced some football brilliance with the Carthage Eagles hitting the post before the 10th minute as Ghana's Stephen Appiah, who was one of the best performers on the pitch drilled in a shot into the side net with his left foot.

Matthew Amoah saw his cracking shot crash into the crossbar in the first half.

Milovan Rajevac ringed the changes as he handed Arab Contractors midfielder, Samuel Kyere a starting place in the Ghana team with Samuel Yeboah and Samuel Inkoom all making their debut for the senior team after coming on in the second half.

“The objective is to see as many players as possible before the world cup qualifiers resume in March and this match provides a good opportunity to do that,” he said.

After a goalless opening half, both sides made a number of changes but the scoreline stayed the same.

Andre Ayew and Hans Sarpei got starts while Junior Agogo and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie both came off the bench for Ghana.

The result still leaves the Black Stars short of a win in five international friendlies this year.

Even without at least four regulars in Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Laryea Kingston and John Mensah, Milovan Rajevac says it was important to try new players ahead of the resumption of 2010 World Cup qualifiers in March.

There were solid performances from Jonathan Quartey and John Paintsil in defence for Ghana while late substitute, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie went close to getting the opener for the Black Stars.

John Paintsil scooped the ball off the line in the closing stages to keep the scoreline goalless.

But for Tunisia's coach Umberto Coelho, a good display by Ali Zitouni and the rest of his team would spur them ahead of the qualifiers.

The two countries would be involved the qualifying campaign for places at the 2010 World Cup but in different groups.

Ghana would begin the qualifiers for the 2010 qualifiers against Benin on March 28.

Ghana line up:

Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Hans Adu Sarpei/Samuel Inkoom, Eric Addo, Jonathan Quartey, Daniel Yeboah, Samuel Kyere/Haminu Draman, Stephen Appiah, Matthew Amoah/Samuel Yeboah, Prince Tagoe/Junior Agogo, Andre Ayew/Quincy Owusu Abeyie

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