Accra (Greater Accra) 04 July 2000
The Black Stars on Monday evening cast dark clouds over their chances of qualifying for a place in 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup when they drew 1-1 in an uneventful friendly with premier side Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Featuring a blend of locals and foreign-based players, the senior national soccer team, never showed signs of their preparedness for their opening World Cup qualifier against minnows Sierra Leone at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, July 9.
Kotoko who played a compact midfield game but were goal-shy, ironically went ahead in the 11th minute when right winger Lawrence Adjei latched onto a through ball to lob over onrushing goalkeeper Simon Addo.
Kotoko grew in confidence after that early goal and could have added another, 10 minutes later but Shilla Alhassan apparently timid of the foreign players was indecisive infront of goal only for Munich-based Samuel Osei Kuffour to clear the ball off his foot.
In the 32nd minute Kuffour pulled level for the Stars with a perfect freekick just outside the penalty area.
The match forms part of the final brush-ups for the Stars before their Sunday's engagement with the Leone Stars.
Ghana is paired in the same group with Nigeria, Sudan, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The top country qualifies for the 2002 World Cup.
GRi…/