Stars suffer Argies setback

Ghana's home based Black Stars lost in Cordoba on Wednesday night to Argentina in an international friendly.

Veteran striker Martin Palermo handed Diego Maradona's Albicelestes, who turned out with a home-based side a confidence-boosting 2-0 victory at the Olimpico de Cordoba stadium.

In a game which the Albicelestes, playing before a packed stadium dominated, Ghana had some goal attempts but failed to beat Argies goalkeeper Diego Pozo.

Kofi Nti Boakye, Edmund Owusu-Ansah and Obed Owusu had decent tries at goal.

Argentina went ahead in the 28th minute when Martin Palermo finished off a Fabian Monzon cross past Philimon McCarthy.

Once up, the home side surged forward looking to increase their lead but the Ghana defence with Ofosu Appiah and Lee Addy playing in central position managed to deal the attacks.

But the Albicelestes in the 39th minute struck the second when Palermo sent a looping header to the far post.

Prior to the game, Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac had spoken of his desire to observe a few players as the Black Stars, who have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup continue to finalise their plans.

For Diego Maradona, under whose watch the South Americans are struggling in qualifying should be be happy as the victory will motivate his side ahead of their final two World Cup qualifiers.