U17@Peru: Starlets draw again

Trujillo, Sept 20, GNA - Ghana's National Under 17 Team, the Black Starlets have again played a drawn game their second match against Costa Rica in Group A played at the Trujillo Sports stadium. The Starlets would therefore need 'a must win' in their next match against China on Thursday in Piura to ensure their survival in the competition.

The Starlets who were the favourites of Group A failed to live up to the expectation of the teaming Peruvian home fans who along have supported them.

The Ghanaian lads played an uninspiring game in the first half with occasional scoring chances coming their way but the attackers failed to utilise them to end the half goalless.

The Costa Ricans who looked could not cope with the play of the Ghanaians however against the run of play managed to break the deadlock on the 47th minute through Borges Celso header from a corner kick that found the defenders ball watching.

The Starlets with their usual Ghanaian fighting spirit quickly changed their pattern of play to quickly cancel the lead eleven minutes later through a beautiful free kick expertly taken by Jonathan Quartey. The cancellation of the lead re-awakened the hope of the Ghanaians and from then on they mounted sustained the pressure on the Latin Americans but failed to capitalise on their advantage tofetch the match winner till Referee Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay brought what seemed like a one way affair to an end.

Emmanuel Ansong, captain of the Starlets told the GNA Sports after the match that they did their best but it was unfortunate that victory was not on their side and had to elude them.

He however gave the assurance that they would work extra hard to win their last group match on Thursday to ensure their qualification to the next stage.