Promising performance for Black Stars at Wembley

An altogether promising international friendly match took place away for the Ghanaian Black stars against England. With a small crowd at Wembley of 80,102 fans in a potential 90,000 and 21,000 being Ghanaian, the atmosphere in the English Home grounds was dominated by the buoyant Ghanaain supporters. Many reported that the weak side put up by Capello was to blame for poor attendance on the English front. With names such as John Terry, Ashley Cole, Stephen Gerrard, Frank Lampard , Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand all missing from the English Team. The crippled English team performed well considering the youth and inexperience of the players. Ghana only lacked Chelsea’s Michael Eissien, out on Injury. 

It was a fairly even match with both sides providing many chances for both Joe Hart of Manchester City and Richard Kingson of Blackpool to be tested. England were certainly under pressure with their team of inexperienced youngsters, being pressurized by the Black stars Gyan and Adiyah within the first half; forcing some spectacular saves from the young English keeper.  England’s response was swift with an impressive shot from Downing and another challenge from Young from just 20 yards out forcing an athletic save from Kingson. It was the debut international Goal from Andy Carroll of Liverpool that sailed passed the arms of Kingston in the 43^rd minute of the first half.

Gyan was relentless throughout, putting pressure on England’s defence and was finally rewarded with a goal in the 91^st minute. His performance on the night would be certain to wipe clean his memory of missing that crucial penalty in the World Cup sweeping past Lescott to score the equalizer. Despite never having played England the Black Stars seemed to hold up well. However Danny Welbeck’s choice to play for the England squad was met with a cacophony of jeers from the Ghanaian supporters, but according to the rules of  FIFA he can still choose to play for Ghana, if he so wishes. Fabio Capello, Englands Manager reported to the BBC that “It was a fantastic game, I am happy because Ghana didn’t play it like a friendly”.

Laura White- Projects Abroad.