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Asamoah Gyan Equals Roger Milla + Stars Show Vast Improvement in Thrilling Draw

Asamoah Gyan-Captain of Black Star
Asamoah Gyan-Captain of Black Star

Captain Asamoah Gyan’s goal against Germany last night was his 5th at the World Cup, tying Cameroonian legend Roger Milla for the most goals scored by an African at the World Cup.

Gyan’s five goals are spread through the three world cups he has participated in, whilst Milla got his goals at Italia 90’ and USA 94’.

Considering Gyan’s age and his quality, it should be a fair bet that he would surpass the record sometime in the future, and despite everything Gyan deserves commendation.

He is also the only African to score at three world cups, whilst he is the Black Stars all time leading goal scorer with 41 goals.

Meanwhile the Black Stars showed a leap in quality from their opening day loss in their game against Germany.

The 2-2 draw against Germany has vastly improved the chances of the Black Stars of making the World Cup round of 16; providing Portugal beat the USA at 22:00 GMT tonight.

The opening day loss against USA had put Ghana in a precarious position in the tournament, and that coupled with upcoming games against Germany and Portugal meant the Stars World Cup hopes were hanging by a thread. But in a spectacular game in Fortaleza last night, Ghana battled Germany to a draw.

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Is it Just Me or Jordan Ayew is Purely SELFISH & Cares About Personal GLORY…?

Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew

In what can be described as the best 2014 World Cup match so far, Ghana’s Black Stars fought tirelessly against the German national team- Die Mannschaft, who were tipped to thrash Ghana with ease.

In fact, I was informed a German magazine evaluated the existing statistics and came to the conclusion that, Germany will beat Ghana by 11 goals to nill—that was based on real mathematics. But as we saw yesterday, when it comes to football, leave the calculations to the Leicester University’s College of Mathematics and let hard work, dedication and composure determine the winner.

The Ghana Black Stars had several good chances to leave the pitch with a win against the group leaders-the Germans, but struggled to make good use of these chances.

On top of all the chances was this single one that Jordan Ayew handled the ball along the side ‘throw’ line straight into a scoring yard, where Asamoah Gyan was patiently waiting for that pass which could have placed Ghana in the winning basket—there isn’t any doubt that Asamoah Gyan could not have scored that goal.

But Jordan Ayew who had the ball in his possession showed once again that he is not a mature football player—and does not care about team work or team glory. He wanted the glory for himself and he wanted to go into record books as having also scored at the World Cup alongside his elder brother—so selfishly, he tried scoring, kicking the ball slowly into the hands of the German goalkeeper.

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Ghana Vrs Germany: The Black Stars Held Group Leader-Germany to a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Ghana-captain-Asamoah-Gyan-n

 

The tension filled clash was a see-saw of emotions for Ghanaian fans, as Germany took the lead through a Mario Gotze header. A slight turnaround saw the Black Stars take the lead after Gyan turned in a sweet low strike to complement Ayew’s headed equaliser; but it was short-lived as substitute Miroslav Klose scored within a minute of coming on to equal Ronaldo’s all time world cup record of 15 goals.

The must win clash for the Stars kicked off at 19:00 GMT, with the result to be a huge determinant in the fortune of the Black Stars going forward.

Coach Kwesi Appiah, who has come in for tons of criticism following the opening day loss to USA; made three changes to his side in an attempt to get the win at the 2nd time of asking.

Prince Boateng and Harrison Afful came on for Jordan Ayew and Daniel Opare, whilst in goal Fatau Dauda took over from Adam Kwarasey.

A dour first ten minutes was largely dominated by the Germans, who calmly kept possession and tried to draw the Stars out of their shell but the Ghanaians remained resolute in maintaining men behind the ball.

It didn’t take long for Germany to threaten, Benedikt Howedes getting behind the Stars high line, but his low cross was beat away by Jonathan Mensah.

The Black Stars also made their presence felt in the game, with Sulley Muntari’s long cross field pass picking up Christian Atsu; but his low cross was fired way over the bar by skipper Asamoah Gyan.

Germany was still hording the bulk of possession, with the Stars content to sit back, soak the pressure, and try to hit Germany on the break.

After some neat interplay, Ozil laid a pass from the right to Kroos just outside the box, but the Bayern Munich midfielder’s shot was calmly blocked by Jonathan Mensah, whilst almost immediately at the other end Atsu’s fierce low drive had to be parried away by Manuel Neuer in the first real moment of desperation for the German defence.

Ghana continued that mini spell with a cross from Ayew swept away from Gyan by Mertesacker at the last moment.

The Stars defensive play was solid and disrupted Germany’s flow, but occasionally Ozil got clear to lay passes for Muller and Kroos beside him.

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Ghana Vrs Germany Match Preview: Must Win Game for Black Stars Against Group G Top Dogs

Ghana Black Stars
Ghana Black Stars

The Black Stars must defeat Group G leaders-Germany if the side harbours any hopes of making it to the second round of the world cup for the third successive tournament.

The Black Stars lost their first game 2-1 against the USA, precipitating the relabeling of this game from ‘an any result would fly’ game to a must win game.

The loss really was a setback for the Black Stars, as the side considered the ‘weakest’ in the group picked up the victory over Ghana; and now to progress the team must find a way past European heavyweights Germany and Portugal.

However if the progress of the world cup so far has taught us anything, it is that possessing the status of being top dogs is not in itself indicative of top dog status.

That’s the lesson defending champions Spain are being forced to digest this day, after losing their first two games which guaranteed their elimination and rendered their tag of defending champions meaningless far earlier than they must have planned for.

Thus the Black Stars must feel they can take on Germany toe-to-toe, which is precisely the attitude they need to get the needed result out of Die Mannschaft…

Germany won their first Group game 4-0 against Portugal with a hat-trick from Thomas Muller, and a win against Ghana would all but guarantee their passage to the next round of the competition.

For their part the Black Stars have to rectify the tactical and technical errors that led to the 2-1 humbling at the hands of the United States, from the playing body all the way up to head coach Kwesi Appiah.

By this time Kwesi Appiah must have realised his unorthodox (senseless) decision to play Kwadwo Asamoah at left-back is a detriment to the team’s forward play. With Samuel Inkoom, Daniel Opare, and Harrison Afful in the team, it borders on criminality to waste a dynamite talent like Kwadwo on defensive duty.

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Ghana Vrs Germany: What You Need to Know About Black Stars’ Next World Cup Opponents-Germany (Die Mannschaft)

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On Saturday night at 19:00 GMT, the Black Stars of Ghana will go up against the might of Germany. Here’s a profile of the German team, Die Mannschaft.

There are some great nicknames in world football, whether club or country. Personally, there isn’t one I like pronouncing more than Die Mannschaft. I speak no Deutsch, but the name has a way of rolling of one’s tongue. The awesomeness of the name is only matched by the awesomeness of the national side it describes.

The German football team, like Germany herself, has a storied history. The team has played in the past as both East and West Germany, with their records being synchronised following the fall of the Berlin wall. This creates one of the most decorated sides in world football, and it is that might that the Black Stars has to contend with if they are to qualify from Group G.

Germany has won three FIFA world cup trophies, more than any other side not named Brazil or Italy. More impressive is their haul of three European Championships, a feat not matched by any side on the continent. By comparison, Italy with their four world cup trophies has only one European championship crown.

Germany was one of the earliest sides to qualify from Europe for the mundial, comfortably topping their group ahead of Sweden, Austria, and the Republic of Ireland. Their first game, a 4-0 demolition of fellow group favourites Portugal, should put the Black Stars on alert for what to expect from the fabled ‘German machine’.

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GFA Denies Mutiny in Black Stars Camp: Preparation for Saturday’s Clash Against Germany Hits Full-Gear

Black Stars

 

The Black Stars preparation for Saturday’s game against Germany is in full swing, a statement from the Ghana Football Association has revealed.

The Black Stars lost 2-1 to the USA in heartbreaking fashion in their first game on Monday night, and the aftermath of that game has seen several issues rear their head in the camp of the team.

Initial reports from the team’s camp in Macieo was that the team was in a dejected mood after the loss, and the side flew straight back to Macieo after the game without even stopping for any respite in their hotel in Natal.

Then a report came out claiming mutiny and discontent in the team’s camp, particularly from some senior players and towards the head coach-Kwesi Appiah.

Speaking after the game on Monday, Kevin Prince Boateng expressed surprise over the decision to start him from the bench, stating the coach must have known what he was doing; in a not too veiled dig at Kwesi Appiah.

But the GFA has officially come out, claiming the reports of a revolt were untrue. All 23 players were on hand for the training session after the report of discontent in camp.

“We wish to assure Ghanaians that coach Kwesi Appiah and all his players have shifted their focus to the match against Germany on Saturday, keen on winning the match to revive the Black Stars chances of progressing to the knockout stage” The statement said.

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Four Lessons for Ghana’s Coach-Kwesi Appiah…Moving Forward

In his first game as a coach on the world stage, Kwesi Appiah led his Black Stars team to a 2-1 loss to the United States. Now in a group comprising of Germany and Portugal as well, most people saw this first game as our best chance for three points, yet it turned out not … Read more

Ghana’s Coach Kwesi Appiah is a Disaster | Why Leave Prince Boateng on the Bench & Play Jordan Ayew?

James Kwesi Appiah
James Kwesi Appiah

I do not know much about football and that is why I do not personally write a lot about it. I can sit afar and tell you the colour of Yvonne Okoro’s underwear but I cannot even be sure which positions the players really play…

Even with my level of naivety, I can boldly say; Ghana’s coach-Kwesi Appiah is a disaster and showed the world that he was an inexperienced coach yesterday by not starting such an important much against the USA with his best 11.

When I used to play FIFA Playstation, I always made sure I selected the experienced players even though the level of play of anyone selected in a video game depends on the one holding the control pad. It may not be true but I always convinced myself that, the game manufactures would somehow have given the experienced and good players a tilt to win and that is why I always went in for them…

Yesterday’s match against USA was not a computer game but if I was asked to pick the damn players, there was no way I was going to leave Michael Essien and Kevin Prince Boateng out of the starting 11, and play Jordan Ayew and the others…

What was the essence of the coach’s decision to leave his most experienced and arguably best players on the bench to try Jordan Ayew—simply because he found luck and scored some goals against a side like South Korea in a friendly?

Did Jurgen Klinsmann play all his best and experienced players? Yes he did but we kept testing the game as if we were in training.

And which coach keeps playing Kwadwo Asamoah at the back? Was the coach blind to the fact that Opare and Christian Atsu were liabilities last night and didn’t have to wait till the game was almost over before changing them?

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Watch Ghana Vrs USA LIVE + The Predictions Are in…

Ghana Black Stars
Ghana Black Stars

Despite the fact the Ghana has beaten USA twice in the World Cup-2006 and 2010, the Black Stars are still going into tonight’s game against USA as underdogs—and the Black Stars have no option than to perform their best for a straight WIN.

Back home in Ghana, the excitement and expectations are high with Ghanaians looking forward to the Black Stars’ first victory at Brazil 2014.

In an article we published yesterday, we looked at how the Black Stars can secure a win and this morning, we reminded ourselves that, Kwesi Appiah being in charge of the Ghanaian team for tonight’s game makes him the first black man to lead the Black Stars on the world stage.

GhanaCelebrities.Com will stream the Ghana Vrs USA match live on here—and run our usual commentaries (So keep refreshing this page for the live streaming and commentaries).

We want to have your predictions but before you tell us what you think the outcome of tonight’s match will be, check below for what people are saying on the street…

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvEie6z6G88

update

Ghana Starting XI

Adam Kwarasey, Daniel Opare, Kwadwo Asamoah, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Christian Atsu, Sulley Muntari, Jordan Ayew, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew.

Check below for LIVE Streaming of Ghana Vrs USA Match + Our Commentaries & Updates

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An Ode to The Black Stars | The Beauty & Joy of Football

Black Star

 

I have never considered myself a football fan. Heck I can’t even remember the last time I sat down to watch a game of football. And no, I am not a bimbo…I just don’t like sports.

The only time you would catch me watching a football game is when Ghana is playing, and it has to be an international match. I do enjoy such games because I know the players. I know their stories. I know how they started and how far they’ve come. For most of them, it is a story of grass to grace. It resonates with me as well as a whole lot of Ghanaians.

In 2006, Ghana qualified to play in the world cup for the very first time. As a non-football fan, all I could process from that piece of information was that Ghana was going to share the stage along with other big name countries. It was a chance to for the whole world to know about this awesome tiny West African country.

We were put in a group along with Czech Republic, Germany and the USA. These countries were giants in the football world (well apart from the USA). I can never forget how Ghana’s performance at the 2006 world cup made me feel. In particular I remember the match between Ghana and the USA. That match was a make or break match for us. It was either we won, or our team would be sent back home. You see, nobody even thought Ghana would leave any mark in the games. After all, that was our very first world cup. But the Black Stars surprised everyone, including Ghanaians watching at home.

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Take a Bow: ‘Local Coach’ James Kwesi Appiah to Debut on the World Stage-World Cup 2014 | ‘The Black Man is Capable Of Managing His Own Affairs’

James Kwesi Appiah
James Kwesi Appiah

When the Black Stars line up late tonight to take on the might of the United States of America, a little bit of history which is being threatened to be overshadowed by all the brouhaha of a world cup is going to take place. For the first time in the history of Ghana, the Black Stars are going to be led by a black man on the world stage, at the senior level.

Admittedly ours is a short romance with the world cup, this just being our 3rd tournament overall, but this does not in any way diminish the significance of the occurrence. Ghana’s first president Dr Nkrumah is amongst other things, famous for his utterance that “the black man is capable of managing his own affairs”. And after trusting in the white man to take us to our first two world cups, Kwesi Appiah was given the chance and has, rather spectacularly, led the team to the world cup in a manner more flamboyant than either of his predecessors could manage.

We have a rather unfortunate tendency in this country to dismiss the value of our own products, and this pertained to our choice of a national team coach for a long time. Which is why the exploits of Kwesi Appiah should not be glossed over, as in being successful he makes a case not only for himself, but for all local coaches and for our ability to perform just as well as the foreigner given the right conditions.

READ ALSO: Ghana Vrs USA: How Ghana Can Beat USA-World Cup 2014

Kwesi Appiah’s initial appointment was met with incredulity and indifference by a large section of the Ghanaian public. There were those who believed a local coach was the way to go, but Kwesi Appiah himself was largely untested as a manager at the top level. Admittedly, he had been assistant coach of the Black Stars for several years prior; this did not however diminish the calls of his critics who felt he was entirely out of his depth.

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Ghana Vrs USA: How Ghana Can Beat USA-World Cup 2014

Ghana Vrs USA Match Preview
Ghana Vrs USA Match Preview

“When I get older… I will be stronger … They will call me freedom … just like a waving flag …and then it goes back… oh oo o ” … Four years ago, Somalia’s K’naan rose to prominence with this theme song for the World Cup in South Africa, and while Shakira’s Waka Waka had a groove about it, Waving Flag just tugged at your heart strings in a special way…

Four years ago, Nana Borro’s “Aha y3d3” became another unofficial theme song, especially after Ghana games; Four years ago, Octopus Paul was your go to guy for match predictions; Four years ago, the Cedi was 1.4 to the Dollar…. Oh how the times have changed since the last World Cup!

But those moments are back; those moments when you, including your boss, steal office hours; dash from the office to the pub or rush home, if your wife is the “house master” type, to catch the action live on TV, or simply tune in to radio commentary from your car. For one long month from June 12 – July 13, our daily routines will be rearranged because the 2014 FIFA World Cup is here; live from the home of football, Brazil! and you know what that means; a football party!

For us this side of the Atlantic, we are concerned with how our beloved Black Stars would kick start the campaign against perennial World Cup foes, United States of America (USA), on Monday June 16, 2200 GMT in Natal. In keeping with the World Cup fever, I have got a couple of tips for Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah on how to beat the USA from a purely scientific angle, nothing Kwaku Bonsam-ish. And oh, while I am at it, I will attempt an ideal line up too.

Arrest Michael Bradley

US Coach Jurgen Klinsmann, a former German international, recently stated that formations do not matter as much as tactics. In the lead up to the tournament, Klinsmann has departed from his favoured 4-2-3-1 in favour of a diamond 4-4-2 and tried several combinations with different players, although one has been ever present; Michael Bradley, son of former US and Egypt Coach Bob Bradley.

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Ghana Vrs USA Match Preview: Do Or Die Battle For Group G Underdogs-The Black Stars

Celebrating the BlackStars Win In Ghana
Black Star Fan

The Black Stars of Ghana will take on the United States coming Monday night as they kick off their third successive world cup campaign.

And for a third successive world cup, the Black Stars would have to beat the team from across the Atlantic if they are to have any realistic chance of making the next round. Paired in a so-called ‘Group of Death’ alongside European heavyweights Germany and Portugal, either side are aware of the value victory in this game would bring; as a loss would all but guarantee the elimination of the side in question.

In two previous world cup encounters, Ghana beat the United States 2-1; in the Group stage in Germany and at the second round stage in South Africa.

Bob Bradley led USA into both encounters, and his successor-Jurgen Klinsmann is not eager to suffer the same fate as the American. Klinsmann has already brought a change of style and mentality to the United States’ team, and from watching Ghana demolish South Korea 4-0 a week ago in a friendly is well aware of the threat his side would be facing.

“Obviously a great result for Ghana” Klinsmann said of the 4-0 win. “I wanted to see them myself and have an impression there, and we have that now”

Nevertheless, the German believes despite the history and pedigree of the Black Stars, his side can stand toe-to-toe with the them.

“We feel very confident going into this game against Ghana. But we also know what Ghana represents, one of the top nations in Africa, no doubt about it”

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Ghana’s Black Stars GoalKeeper-FATAU DAUDA in A Mess – As His Ex-Girlfriend Threatens To Arrest Him For Owing Her Over GHC 10,000

Fatau Dauda
Fatau Dauda

Ex-Girlfriend (name withheld) of Ghana’s Black Stars goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda, who is currently in Brazil for the World Cup, has made wild allegations to GhanaCelebrities.Com – stating that, Fatau owes her over GHC 10,000.

According to the lady, Fatau Dauda was her boyfriend until they part ways in the later part of 2012 but before that, Fatau had put her in a condition that demanded an urgent medical attention.

“Fatau Dauda is my ex. Most people knew about our relationship. Even on Facebook and in the media. My mum, brother, friends, and all my close associates knew of our relationship” she told GhanaCelebrities.Com.

“He put me in a condition that demanded I get urgent medical attention. I was operated. The total cost of the bill was over GHC 10,000. I had serious complications after the operation which I’m still checking on. Fatau promised of paying the medical bills but refused. I had to use my own hard earned money to defray the bills.

He owes me and doesn’t want to pay. He pleaded with Dan Kwaku Yeboah that he will pay and up till now….I contacted his manager and told him about the money issue but he said nothing better. I have made several attempts to get my money back but to no avail.

Dan Kwaku Yeboah had wanted to publish this story but Dan called Fatau and he promised of paying me but till date, I’ve not heard from Fatau. When he was going to the World Cup, I had wanted to arrest him at the airport but some people told me to hold it. I still got back to the manager but still…..”

She continued that “we broke up later part of 2012. I never wronged him mpoo! He promised of paying me back when they return from the Africa Cup but never did. I have suffered in that guy’s hands paa! Sometimes, I have to pick him up at stadium after a match. Accra Hearts of Oak supporters nearly destroyed my small matrix I used one day. I have overcome all of that.

I was even supporting him pay his brother’s fees and all. When I was dating him, he had nothing. He was then playing for Ashgold. He will call my mum and she will pray and fast for him when they had a match. Now my mother hates him passionately. He needs to apologize to my mum.

Some of his playing mates were surprised and some even proposed to me just to hurt him but I never did accept them. My mother took him like her son. My family knew about our relationship. It’s my aunty who helped for him to be called into the Black Stars.

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Brazil 2014: Black Stars’ Striker-Abdul Majeed Warris at Risk of Missing World Cup

Striker-Abdul Majeed Warris
Striker-Abdul Majeed Warris

Striker Abdul Majeed Warris could be left out of the Ghana squad for the world cup if he fails to recover before 15th June, a day before Ghana’s first world cup game.

FIFA allows for teams to make changes to their squads in the event of an injury, but after 15th June no change can be made to the Black Stars squad.

Warris, who has been an integral part of the team since bursting onto the scene two years ago, picked up the knock in Monday night’s friendly win over South Korea.

Warris had to be subbed off after barely 3 minutes, after a challenge from South Korean defender Ki-Sung Yeung. He was subsequently replaced by three goal hero Jordan Ayew.

Black Stars team doctor, Baba Adam explained the situation regarding the Spartak Moscow forward.

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My Thoughts on Ghana-South Korea Match | Comprehensive Victory Should Leave Fans Cautiously Optimistic

Ghana Black Stars
Ghana Black Stars

Yesterday, the Black Stars sealed a comprehensive 4-0 win over South Korea in their final warm-up game in Miami to ensure they leave for Brazil in buoyant mood.

It was a totally dominant win, in which South Korea was outplayed in all aspects of the game and which showcased the ability of the Stars to crush their opposition on their best days. All over the country, the win has rekindled waning optimism over the chances of the team and all of a sudden the Black Stars seem unbeatable in the eyes of many.

There is a tendency to read too much into these friendly games which we must be careful to eschew. Before this game, after the woeful performance in the 1-0 loss to Netherlands, there was also a disproportionate amount of pessimism over the team’s chances. Neither reaction is accurate, as always the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

So what’s the truth? The truth is that this team is immensely talented, particularly across midfield and attack. Even much aligned Jordan Ayew was a hero in the last game, whilst the least experienced call-ups such as Afriyie Acquah, Majeed Warris, Christian Atsu, and Rabiu Mohammed all possess raw ability that cannot be denied. Complement this with the experience of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan, Kevin Boateng and their like; and you have a team with a balance of youth and experience that can on their best day, go toe to toe with any side in world football.

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Ghana 4-0 South Korea: Jordan Ayew Steals the Show as Ghana Mauls South Korea

Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew

The Black Stars comprehensively thrashed South Korea 4-0 in a friendly that served as both sides final preparatory game before the World Cup kicks off on June 12, 2014.

A stunning hat-trick from youngster-Jordan Ayew and a low drive just before half time from Asamoah Gyan sealed the comfortable win in a game held in hot and humid conditions in the Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

During the week, coach Kwesi Appiah had hinted that Kwadwo Asamoah and Michael Essien might occasionally be called on to fill in at the back, and the starting line-up named by the manager had Kwadwo Asamoah as the side’s left back.

The game started in a far too lively fashion, as after barely 3 minutes, Ki Sung-Yeung was booked after viciously hacking down Majid Warris, who was unable to continue and had to be replaced by Jordan Ayew.

The younger Ayew wasted little time in making his presence felt, as in the 11th minute he gave Ghana the lead after good work down the left flank by his elder brother.

Andre ran down the left flank, and sent in a low cross which Jordan connected with, beating the goalkeeper via a slight deflection off Ki.

The goal however barely lifted the game out of its scrappy nature as both sides failed to string too many passes together. South Korea gained a great chance in the 15th minute, striker Lee Chu Young cutting in and narrowly missing with his low drive.

Ghana fashioned a few half chances as the game wore on, but South Korea remained the better side, and a prolonged spell of pressure just before half time almost yielded an equaliser.

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South Korea Vrs Ghana: Final Test for the Black Stars Before World Cup Kickoff…

Black Star
Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew

The Black Stars of Ghana are set to take on the South Korean national side in their final pre-world cup friendly in Miami on Monday night. The game is the team’s 2nd friendly which follows their 0-1 loss to the Netherlands on May 31.

The Black Stars desperately need the win to boost morale having lost their last two friendly games. This means the team has not won a game this year having lost 1-0 as well to Montenegro in March. With barely a week left to the beginning of the 2014 World Cup, taking place in Brazil, the value of a win against the Asian side cannot be underestimated.

Aside the allure of a victory, the game should serve as a final testing ground for coach-Kwesi Appiah to try his starting formation and tactics before the team’s opening game against the United States on June 16.

The team, which has been training in Miami for the past week, faces the South Koreans in the pre World-Cup match for the second time after beating them 3-1 en route to their maiden World Cup in Germany, where the team qualified to the Round of 16.

In related team news, goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey is back in training after a slight knock threatened to rule him out of the World Cup. Aside that, coach James Kwesi Appiah seems to have a full squad at his disposal, which is contrary to that of South Korean manager Hong Myung-Bo, whose squad was hit with a virus and thus has several players missing from action.

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