By Maxwell Awumah/Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (V/R), Jul 22, GNA – The National Beach Soccer Team, the Black Sharks on Sunday displayed a spirited performance to beat the Sand Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire by 5-3 goals during their AFCON first leg qualifier.
The match was played at the Emancipation Beach Arena at Keta, in the Volta Region was graced by the non-stopping “jama” songs by the national Supporters Union, which impelled the players to put up a superlative performance.
Torsu’s 28th-minute goal was a solo effort, when he took a long range shot that zoomed into the bottom corner to beat Diallo in post for the visitors.
Shark’s Nyamedi Wise increased the tally to three on the ninth- and 12-minute mark through a solo effort Nyamedi scored from an over-head kick to beat goalie Diallo in post for the Ivorians to double his personal tally.
The Sand Elephants managed to pull a goal just before the end of the first department of the game to bring the scoreline to 3-1.
The second section started with more purposefulness and a display of agility by the Sharks.
Shear ill luck, prevented the Sharks from increasing the tally as their attempts at goal were either saved by Diallo or hit the upright at three separate times, denying the homesters more goals, whilst the Ivorian also missed the goalposts by inches after creating some clear-cut chances.
The third section or segment started on a brisk note with the energised Sharks producing two quick goals in succession from the foot of Kini Ticor, who scored in the 29th and 31st minutes to increase Sharks tally to 5-1.
Sand Elephants bounced back as if injected with serum played tactically and luck smiled at them, to redeem two of the deficits to bring the scoreline to 5-3.
The Libyan referee Ezuldeen Mohammed Ateey, brought proceedings to a halt to the comfort of spectators, who throned the Emancipation Arena to support the Sharks.
Mr Julius Caesar Bekley, the Assistant Coach of the Black Sharks,in an interaction with the Ghana News Agency, said the victory had marked great journey for the team in qualifying for the upcoming AFCON that would be hosted in Cairo, Egypt.
“We have never defeated the Sand Elephants in any competitive game, and today’s victory is history. We have never lost a beach soccer game at home before, and I am happy history has repeated itself,” he said.
He commended the fans, especially Ghana Supporters Union, Emancipation cultural group and other fans for their massive support that kept the spirit of the team high for the victory.
Meanwhile, Kini Ticor has been awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Match and awarded with a brand new Tecno phone.
Ghana will however travel to Côte d’Ivoire for the return fixture on Saturday, July 27.
The team with a greater goal difference will automatically qualify for the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
GNA