GhanaFA

Starlets miss the plot

16 years ago
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A stoppage-time goal condemned Ghana’s hopes of winning the bronze medal at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup as Germany went on win 2-1 in the third place match.

Unlike the slow start that characterized Ghana’s approach to the Group F game against the Germans on August 23, the Black Starlets dominated the early minutes of exchanges holding onto 60 percent of possession until the Germans took the lead.

A 17th minute freekick curled in by Toni Kroos from 25 yards out far from the reach of Ghana goalkeeper, Joseph Addo put the Germans in the lead.

And the goal swung the game in the favour of the Germans as Ghana appeared stifled.

Several attempts by the Black Starlets to break through German defence failed as Ghana’s two attackers, Ransford Osei and Kelvin Bossman could not receive supplies from the middle.

The first half ended with the Germans being the better of the two sides.

Ghana returned from recess without Kelvin Bossman, whose place was taken by Isaac Donkor.

The Black Starlets bench made another substitution, bringing on Naza Alhassan for the injured Enoch Adu.

Both second half changes really benefited Ghana as the Germans were pinned to their area.

Ghana piled on the pressure as the Germans were caught up in the tense moment of clearing their lines.

However, Ghana could not be denied a well deserved equalizer which came on the 67th minute through a header by Ransford Osei from an Abeiku Quansah cross.

Ghana played out the Germans but failed to double their lead as Francis Mpong came on for Tetteh Nortey.

Then seconds into injury time, Ghana lost the plot when a stoppage-time goal from Alexander Esswein won the Germans bronze.

Esswein was sent off seconds after his stunner for two bookable offences.