Ghana qualifies for FIH World League Round 2

By Edna A. Quansah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 12, GNA - The male and female National Hockey teams have qualified for the Federation of International Hockey World League Round two, after beating Nigeria 2-1 and Kenya 1-0 respectively at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium.

It was all joy at the Stadium when both teams went unbeaten in all matches and thus booked a ticket for the competition.

The female National team managed to qualify for the second round scheduled for next year in Spain following a lone goal by Racheal Bamfo in the 65th minute, whilst the male team came from a goal down to eliminate Nigeria in the last fixture and is billed to travel to Bangladesh to compete.

The three-day, tourney saw a tough battle from Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria and host Ghana but it was the later that stood tall.

At the end of the tournament, it was Ghanaian duo Emmanuel Ankomah and Lydia Afriyie who were awarded the youngest players in the male and female categories, whilst Constant Wakhura from Kenya emerged as top goal scorer with four goals.

The best Goalkeepers of the tournament went to David Strauss from Namibia and Cynthia Onyonko from Kenya, whilst captains of the Ghana National teams, Saliya Nsalbini and Gertrude Inkoom were awarded as best players of the tournament.

Other persons recognised on the day were former captains of the Black Sticks Ebenezer Frimpong and Georgina Sam for their long service in the national team.

Immediate past President of the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA), Oko Nikoi Dzani, was also acknowledged for his dedication to the development of hockey in the country.

The President of the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA), Mr Richard Akpokavie expressed excitement for the splendid performance displayed by Ghana and added that their hard work has been paid off with the teams' qualification to the second round of the competition.

He acknowledged their sponsors for coming on board, but also noted that the biggest task ahead of them is to raise funds for the team to participate in the next competition.

Mr. Akpokavie, said the team will break camp for a few days and resume training to kick start preparations for the next round.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye commended the team's qualification and assured that his outfit is committed to develop the least financed disciplines to win laurels for the country.

GNA