Rustenburg, South Africa, June 26, GNA – Ghana’s Black Stars on Saturday beat United States of America 2-1 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, to qualify for the quarter-final stage of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Striker Asamoah Gyan fetched the match winner on 93 minutes to keep the Black Stars, the only African side remaining, in the competition and thus became the third African team after Cameroon and Senegal to achieve the feat.
Midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng shot the West Africans into the lead after five minutes with a left footed effort after Kwadwo Asamaoh took the ball from USA midfielder Ricardo Clark and laced on a pass to him. Boateng weaved his way through the USA defence like a hot knife through shea butter and unleashed the ball past Tim Howard, the USA Goalie for the opener.
The goal unsettled the USA but boosted the confidence of the Black Stars, who started to do what they are noted for – displaying refined soccer artistry.
Howard had to parry Asamoah Gyan’s well taken shot on target on the 17th minute to keep the score solitary. Gyan’s free-kick from the edge of the penalty box was zooming into the USA net
The Americans gradually warmed themselves into the game and had their first attempt at goal four minutes past the half-hour mark but Ghana’s Goalie Richard Kingson saved from a one-on-one with Robie Findley. The Black Stars continued to hold sway over the Americans till the end of the first half.
The USA resumed the second half more purposefully holding unto the ball and making frequent incursions into the Ghanaian half. So incessant were the raids that it became apparent that an equaliser would come at any moment. The USA brought on Benny Feilhaber and on his first touch of the ball almost drew parity with Ghana having profited from a loose ball after Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah had failed to clear his lines. However, Kingson was once again up to his task and saved the situation.
On 61 minutes, the Americans’ push yielded dividends when Jonathan was adjudged to have fouled Clint Dempsey in the penalty area. The resultant spot kick was converted by USA Captain Landon Donovan.
The goal gingered up the USA and they mounted a series of raids which made Ghana’s Coach Milovan Rajevac to bring on Lee Addy and the Substantive Captain Stephen Appiah for Hans Sarpei and Boateng, respectively. The USA maintained their dominance with their characteristic long balls but they could not find the net forcing the game into extra time – the first of the tournament.
Three minutes into extra time, Gyan restored Ghana’s lead with spectacular volley via his unfamiliar left foot that left Howard with no option.
The Stars successfully held on to their lead, thus raising high the flag of Africa.
Ghana would meet Uruguay at the quarter-final stage on Friday, July 2 at the Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Line-Up: Ghana Richard Kingson, John Pantsil, Hans Sarpei/Lee Addy, Jonathan Mensah, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Samuel Inkoom/Sulley Muntari, Kevin Prince Boateng/Stephen Appiah, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew
USA Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Jonathan Bornstein, Ricardo Clark/Maurice Edu, Jay DeMerit, Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley/Benny Feilhaber
From Abdulai M. Gariba, GNA Special Correspondent, Rustenburg, South Africa