Match Report

Ghana 4:1 Zambia

Read detailed report here

View and Listen to post match audio interview and pictures here

The line up for tonights game is:

Ghana

George Owu

Samuel Inkoom

Harrison Afful

John Pantsil

Anthony Annan

Michael Essien

Junior Agogo

Sulley Muntari

Haminu Draman

Francis Dicko

Eric Addo

Subs:

William Amamoo

Gladson Awaku

Kwame Quansah

Stephen Appiah

David Telfa

Chris Dickson

Zambia

Davy Kaumbwa

Francis Kasonde

Dennis Banda

Jonas Sakuwaha

Nyambe Mulenga

Michani Himonde

Fwayo Tembo

Emmanuel Mayuka

William Njobyu

Stoppila Sunzo

Given Singuluma

Subs:

Kasase Kabwe

Lengwe Kapotwe

Lyson Zulu

As I type, the kick off has been delayed by 15 minutes to 20:00

As the players warm up, the sense of anticipation grows stronger. Zambia only have 13 players available as I understand, whilst Ghana has 16.

The support for Ghana is very impressive. The singing and dancing alone is enough to motivate the players into performing to their utmost abilities.

The 11 starting for Ghana are put through their paces with the assistant coach Kwesi Appiah, whilst the subs do some impressive ball juggling.

The Zambians get into a huddle, in what one can only assume is a call to the almighty to limit the goals conceded. I could be wrong, but it seems they've accepted defeat already.

1st half:

Essien led the side out, and had his chest puffed out as the national anthems were played. As my prediction before the start of the game, the Zambians were indeed praying for the almighty to limit the scores. Ghana played with a sense of controlled ease.

Spreading the ball at ease. The goalkeeper, Owu, was hardly tested. The defenders were all solid aside from Francis Dickoh who seems way too shaky, and has given the ball away on numerous occasions, two of which almost led to goals. Afful is having a fantastic game.

Muntari seems intent on proving to the Ghanaian public that he does indeed feel pride when playing for Ghana. He's combined beautifully with Essien and Annan. Ikoom has provided some energy down the right hand side.

Up front Dramani has made some very intelligent diagonal runs. Aside from the penalty goal Agogo has looked a touch rusty so far.

2nd half report to follow

Ghana 4: 1 Zambia  

2nd half:

Ghana carried off where they left off in the first. They replaced the keeper Owu with Amamoo who did not have a save to make.

The 2nd half of the game was interrupted with substitution after substitution. The biggest cheer of the night went to captain Stephen Appiah when he came on for Dramani. The public absolutely love their captain. Essien promptly gave the captains armband to him.

With Ghana playing against 10 men, it's a shame they did not add more goals to the 4 scored in the first half.

All in all an excellent display by the black stars of Ghana, though one has to bear in mind the circumstances surrounding their opposition's arrival and participation in this game.