Ghana enters semis in Gold Cup soccer

Kannur, Kerala, Apr 10 (UNI) F C Nania, Ghana scored a 2-1 win over Vasco, Goa and entered the semifinals from Group-A league of the Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup International Football tournament here today.

In the first half, Ghana striker Khalil Addy's scored the team's first goal from a direct freekick awarded in the 12 minute following a foul from the Goan player. Ghana surged ahead in the 46th minute when their striker Yusuf Babamu caught the goalkeeper on the wrong foot with a deft placement off a pass from Ebenezer(2-0).

Goa, however, reduced the margin in the 88th minute through substitute Cardozo when his rasping pile driver went over the head of the opponent custodian and landed into the net(2-1).

Vasco's defence could not function like a well-oiled machine. The array of defence-splitting and criss-cross passes from the African team unnerved the Goans. Ghana's torrid pounding could have resulted in more goals in the first half, but for poor finishing.

Goan players, however, made an inroad into the opposition citadel, but the well-drilled Ghana defence rose to the occasion and prevented them from dominating the proceedings.

UNI