Baby Jet Saves Day For Ghana

Asamoah Gyan

The Black Stars of Ghana played a spirited game yesterday to hold the Three Lions of England 1-1 in an international friendly which took place in London.

Asamoah Gyan’s fantastic 90-minute strike cancelled England’s lead to draw Ghana level.

It was a strong start by England though they lacked bite upfront.

Skipper Gareth Barry seemed to have the midfield in control. However, it was Ghana who had the first clear chance of the game. Dominic Adiyiah had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, but he kicked the ball right into the arms of Goalkeeper Joe Hart.

This boosted the confidence of the West Africans, who began to assert themselves, with their fans chanting a resounding ‘Ghana Oseeyie’, which reverberated through the magnificent new Wembley Stadium.

England forward Stewart Downing had a chance similar to that of Adiyiah’s and like his Ghanaian counterpart, he wasted it by blasting the ball wide.

Richard ‘Olele’ Kingston made a fine save when he tipped Ashley Young’s goal-bound shot over the bar, while Asamoah Gyan’s long-range shot was saved by Hart.

Lee Addy had a horrible day on the left flank, with Glen Johnson and Jack Wilshere operating at will. This nearly resulted in an opening goal for England, as Ashley Young’s strike hit the crossbar.

Ghana’s fans became vociferous again, chanting and urging the Black Stars on. Adiyiah made a fine connection which was parried by Goalkeeper Hart.

Ghana enjoyed a good one minute’s possession, attracting cheers from the fans, some of whom have travelled almost 6,000 kilometers from Ghana to watch the game.

It was England though, who took the lead through Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. He slotted the ball home after he was set up by man-of-the-match Stewart Downing.

Back from recess, Derrick Boateng, who replaced Anthony Annan, injected some pace into the Ghanaian game.

A surging run by Agyemang Badu nearly cost England, but Gary Cahill was on hand to save the situation with a timely clearance.

Ghana, at this stage, threatened the goal-area of England repeatedly, but the resultant corner was headed over the bar, by Jonathan Mensah.

Goalkeeper Kingston was wonderful on the day, making superb saves.

In the dying embers of the game, when everyone thought England was going to carry the day, Asamoah ‘Baby Jet’ Gyan fired a left-footer that went straight into the net, to leave the scores, Ghana 1, England 1.

A deafening sound greeted the goal, and for about 10 minutes after the match was over, Ghana fans were still in the stadium chanting and singing.