Ghana (10) v (6) South Africa

By Daniel Wood

GHANA's hopes of competing in the Homeless World Cup Trophy competition have been kept alive after a hard fought victory over South Africa. Ghana will maintain a place in the top three positions of Group B's rankings after beating out South Africa, 10-6. South Africa is currently in fifth place of Group B.

After a one-sided first half that saw Ghana dominate a frustrated South African team, South Africa came out storming in the second half to make Ghana sweat for their win.

Ghana's Ahadzie scored the goal of the match, despite an amazing dive from South Africa's keeper, Nikoho, that really showed his athleticism.

Ahadzie, a tremendous player all match, quickly scored Ghana's second: 2-0. Ahadzie continued to dominate the left wing as he delivered a third for Ghana after a brilliantly placed cross from Ofosu. Nikoho really excelled in South Africa's goal, pulling off some solid saves.

Saban produced a low driving shot under the keeper to become Ghana's second goal scorer of the match, 4-0.

A powerful right-foot shot from Mraji almost put South Africa on the scoreboard but the refined reflexes of Ghana's keeper denied the shot.

Ghana scored one more goal before half time with South Africa remaining goalless, 5-0.

Ghana's keeper really validated his position on the team as he became a veritable roadblock in to South Africa's numerous shots. Ofosu came out of nowhere to score Ghana's sixth. A well-taken penalty shot by Du Plessia yielded South Africa's first goal.

Player confusion over a referee decision allowed Ghana to sneak in a seventh, 7-1. Spurred on by Du Plessis' earlier goal, South Africa produced a second and then a third by Du Plessis, and then a fourth literally seconds after! South Africa were clawing their way back into the game, 7-4.

Ghana managed an eighth but a great deflection from the South African keeper denied them number nine. A well-timed interception led to a great team play for South Africa, which in turn led to a solid goal, 8-5. South Africa really began to turn up the heat as they scored a sixth goal and brought victory within reach - it was anyone's game.

The flamboyant Ahadzie finally drove home Ghana's as he cheered at the crowd, pointing to his guernsy number.

Despite South Africa's impressive and inspirational comeback, Ghana managed to score one more goal before full time. Final score, 10-6.

Photos: Photoworx