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13.12.2007 Football News

Barusso makes point in Champs Lge

By ghanasoccernet
Barusso makes point in Champs Lge
13.12.2007 LISTEN

Ghanaian midfielder Ahmed Apimah Barusso excelled in his first ever start in the UEFA Champions League as his club Roma were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United.

Barusso, who was excluded from coach Claude Le Roy's recent four-nation tournament team, played as if he was telling the Ghana coach to rethink his Nations Cup squad.

Barusso has only been handed few starts since joining his Italian side and his opportunity to play on the big stage was grabbed with both hands

The Group F clash was an ultimately meaningless game as United had already won the group while Roma were also assured of progress to the next stage.

Roma clearly wanted to end their group campaign with a win and in an end-to-end opening the Italians were clearly on top with Barusso directing the midfield.

United went ahead in simple fashion on 34 minutes with Spanish defender Gerard Pique heading home Nani's corner.

Roma responded magnificently and should have equalised but after good work from Cicinho and captain Francesco Totti, Brazilian winger Alessandro Mancini chipped the ball onto the bar.

Then came the time for Barusso to make his mark after impressing before the interval.

He showed how uncompromising he can be in his position as he left a nasty imprint on Evans' shin which generated a heated reaction from United's O'Shea.

On the hour Roma came within a whisker of equalising as the Ghana midfielder thrashed a long-range strike just past the post with Kuszczak beaten.

The Ghanaian made way for experienced Ludovic Giuly with only 20 minutes remaining as Roma piled the pressure for Mancini to get the equaliser.

Roma now progress to the last as Barusso will be seeking more playing time on the Champions League as well as the Serie A.

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