GhanaFA

Jones ready for Ivorian return

17 years ago
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Olympic team coach, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio says they “are yet to fight the war” in the return leg of the All-African Games qualifier after Ghana beat Ivory Coast 2-0 in the first leg on Sunday.

Two first half goals within a four-minute interval ensured that Ghana strolled to victory at the Coronation park.

The Olympic team put up a great display but failed to hit a cricket score after enduring difficulties finding the back of the net.

Nafiu Iddrisu put the Black Meteors in the lead when he calmly slotted in the opener in the 15th minute after a miscued clearance by the Ivorian keeper.

Four minutes later, the Young Elephants had to again pick the ball from the post.

This time, Ghana captain, Michael Helegbe connected home from a rebound after a shot at goal by Tua Khamis had by parried into play by the Ivorian goalkeeper.

Helegbe’s goal proved to be decisive the moment for Ghana, who failed woefully in the second half to put the game beyond the Ivorians.

But Cecil Jones Attuquayefio admits that playing at home sometimes is far more difficult since the pressure waded in on his side.

“We did quite well. We are inexperienced. This is the first game for the boys and the pressure was on the boys.

“We know how they play now and I tell you it is easy sometimes to play away than home.

“Unfortunately, we missed so many chances. But we are going to work on that.

"This is the first battle, we are yet to fight the war. And come next two weeks, we would fight,” the Black Meteors coach said.

The winner of the two-legged tie sets up a decider date with Nigeria, who drew a bye for the single slot from Zone III to participate in next year’s All-African Games to b hosted by Algeria.