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01.06.2008 Sports News

Ghana beats goal-shy Libya

By Ghana FA
Ghana beats goal-shy Libya
01.06.2008 LISTEN

Ghana coach, Sellas Tetteh believes the Black Stars are well placed of qualifying for the 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup after a win over Libya.

The Black Stars' hopes of reaching another World Cup berth got off to a winning start in Group 5 with a 3-0 home win over Libya at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday in the African zone qualifier.

Goals from the striking pair of Prince Tagoe – handed a starting role for the first time in a senior shirt – and Junior Agogo before a final from Laryea Kingston.

And Sellas Tetteh feels his side have started well ahead of their remaining three Group 5 games in the qualifying campaign, which all comes up in the month of June.

"We played well and took our chances but the Libyans proved tough customers. I am satisfied with our progress. However we still have some work to do," said Sellas Tetteh - who would now lead the Black Stars to Johannesburg to play Lesotho next.

Libya could have unsettled Ghana before the 10th minute as coming close twice but Black Stars goalkeeper, Richard Kingson put in great efforts to deny them a goal.

Prince Tagoe scored inside the first 15 minutes, racing into the Libyan defence to meet a Junior Agogo pass and chipping it over the advancing goalkeeper.

Ghana struggled in the opening half as a good block by the Libyan goalkeeper saw a Sulley Muntari powerful drive from an acute angle fly over the crossbar for a corner kick as the first half came to an end.

It took ten minutes into the second session for Ghana to double their lead. This time, a cross from the right by John Paintsil found Junior Agogo, who applied a powerful connection with head, directing it into the far corner of the upright.

Ghana completed its goal scoring run in the 64th minute when Laryea Kingston beautifully scored from a Harrison Afful cross which glanced off an opponent before landing into the post.

Junior Agogo could have grabbed a brace but he saw his touch to a low cross hit the upright.

The Ghana bench made a double substitution to freshen the team's attack, bringing on Eric Bekoe and Haminu Draman for Junior Agogo and Sulley Muntari.

Five minutes later, a great move involving Essien, Tagoe and Bekoe saw the final ball played by the substitute into the path of the Chelsea midfielder but Essien's shot was tipped round the post by the Libyan goalkeeper.

Then Laryea Kingston could have made it 4-0 for Ghana but after rounding up three players in the box, he over elaborated as the Libyan defence finally cleared out the ball.

Ghana made its final change with Francis Dick taking over captain, John Mensah, who despite picking up a knock in the first half, played on.

Libya, never gave up. They pushed and succeeded in forcing two great saves from Richard Kingson before Francis Dickoh block a shot across.

The win was only the first for Ghana since finishing third at the 2008 African Nations Cup earlier this year.

Ghana would play again next weekend away against Lesotho in Johannesburg.

Ghana line up:

Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Harrison Afful, Eric Addo, John Mensah/Francis Dickoh, Anthony Annan, Laryea Kingston, Michael Essien, Junior Agogo/Eric Bekoe, Prince Tagoe, Sulley Muntari/Haminu Draman

Unused Subs: William Amamoo, Hans Adu Sarpei, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu

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