Saturday July 18, 2009
By Our Correspondent
A stoppage extra-time hit by Joseph Appiah earned Ghana’s Black Sticks a 3-2 win over their Nigerian counterparts in Friday’s third place match at the ongoing Hockey Africa Cup for Nations in Accra.
The Ghanaians after surrendering a two-goal lead in normal time displayed a spirited performance in extra time to redeem their image to grab the bronze spot.
Appiah, one of the busiest players of the national male team on the day, hit home in the “D” from an ensuing penalty corner in stoppage time as the Black Sticks cruised to their only win at the championship.
The victory served as a sweet revenge for the Black Sticks, after they lost 1-2 to their West African counterparts in the group phase.
After a winless run during the group phase, the Black Sticks started brightly but failed to make any meaningful impact in attack despite having the better of the exchanges.
David Gagblah however put the Black Sticks in the lead on 34 minutes by pushing in from close range.
The Black Sticks doubled the lead on 41 minutes through Daniel Lamptey.
The Nigerians responded positively with Ogodogun Sunday reducing the deficit four minutes later before Adamson Edward neutralized the tally six minutes from time by connecting from a penalty corner.
Earlier, the Nigerian female team whacked Egypt 4-1 to snap up the bronze in the Women’s division.
Obiefule Oluchi scored first for the Nigerians on 14 minutes from a penalty corner before Alfa John made it two on 32 minutes.
Nnanah Stella made it three for Nigeria a minute from recess before Mohsen Asmaa reduced the deficit for the Egyptians with a stroke from the penalty spot four minutes later.
It was the first time the Egyptians Ladies had scored at the championship and they celebrated the goal in grand style before Bulus Suzan put the icing on the cake for Nigeria with the fourth goal six minutes from time.
On Saturday, South Africa will engage Ghana in the Women’s final whilst Egypt clash against the ‘mighty’ South African team in the Men’s finale.
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