Chelsea Qualify…For Champions League Money Zone

Berekum Chelsea recovered to Champions League glory in the final minute as substitute James Ato Bisah's late winner sealed a 2-1 away win over Coton Sport Garoua in Cameroun yesterday.

Their spirited performance, the first in seven years by a Ghanaian club, sends them to the Group Stage (Money Zone) where they would be entitled to $400,000 plus the qualification bonus management promised them.

In-form forward Emmanuel Clottey put his side forward with a spectacular strike to beat advancing goalkeeper after receiving a pass from midfielder Solomon Asante, 16 minutes before the interval.

Confronted with desperation, the home side fired from all cylinders, but goalkeeper Ernest Sowah's interventions were timely, until the referee awarded a late questionable penalty which they converted in the 38 th minute,

The goal had no telling effect on Chelsea, who threw more men in front; and it paid off when Ato Bisah dribbled past three defenders to send the home side packing to the Confederation Cup zone injury time.

Earlier, Clottey, who exited as a result of injury after the break, had an opportunity to score a personal second but he was sluggish in his attempt.

Skipper Abdul Basit tormented the home side's rear when the game had barely developed but failed to find the back of the net.

Chelsea thus reach this far after beating Liberia Ship Corporate Registry (LISCR) FC, Raja Casablanca and Coton Sport, after scoring an impressive 13 goals and conceding four in all.

The team arrived from Cameroun late last night with a chartered Star Bow aircraft.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum