After winning GRA and drawing against Niger Flickers, continental champions – El Sharkia continued their ACCC17 campaign facing Nigeria’s Police Machine. Police Machine, who had lost all 2 games, aimed at making a mark this time.
At blast whistle, El Sharkia shook the net of Police Machine as Ahmed Gamal scored in the 3rd minute. Samha Ibrahim in the 4th and 10th minute, added his first brace to the scoresheet of El Sharkia putting them ahead before the end of the first quarter.
Police Machine came into the second quarter to reduce their conceded goals to 2 but wasn’t enough to put the team in better place. El Sharkia’s midfield took control of the game as they disallowed all balls entering their 25. They sprang Police Machine with goals in the 34th, 48th, 52nd minutes securing all three points in their own way. Captain of El Sharkia – Sameer Ibrahim finally added his name to the scoresheet echoing his team dominance in the game. Match ended El Sharkia 7-1 Police.
Trustees hope to redeem their reputation fell to their feet as they failed to gain a point in their third game. Defending champions took them by surprise scoring a lone goal to in the 13th minute to capitalize all three points. Ibrahim Amr’s tomahawk move spoiled the mood of Ghanaians putting the Egyptians in a comfortable lead.
Johnny Botsio pushed effort to revive his team and team mates but wasn’t enough to gain a point. Eastern Company kept their composure very solid in their defence to prevent Trustess from getting a goal. Tears fell from the Trustees players as left the pitch to end match 2 of the male’s group defeated.
Kelvin Linus had gained momentum in the tournament after positioning himself in all games. His presence for the Flickers had made him a prime target for defenders in all teams they played with. GRA after struggling in their first two games, made Ghanains proud pushing Niger Flickers to the wall.
Kelvin gave Niger Flickers the upper hand in 7th minute but goal was cancelled in the second quarter as Enerst Opoku scored his first penalty corner of the game . Tempers rose as the game became keener and keener in every minute. Niger Flickers secured a penalty stroke which was beautifully converted by Benard Wilson in the 40th minute. Prince Ashrifie restored GRA’s hope as he flicked a one on one ball over Abdulkadir to put GRA at par. Ernest added his name to the bracers as he scored his second goal for GRA in the 51st minute. A blunder in the defence of the flickers led to this result putting GRA in comfortable zone to pick up all three points.
Nicholas Hason cemented the lead as he swiftly passed through the defence of Niger Flickers to score the 4th goal for GRA in the 56th minute. The goal was celebrated by many whose hope had been restored in a Ghanaian team. Niger Flickers reduced the goals conceded to one in the 57th minute after Umar Danladi drag flicked into the top right corner of Acheampong. Tension struck into the last two minute of the game putting pressure on both teams to win or draw before 60 mins. Aikings, had the chance to make it five but failed to beat Niger Flicker’s goalkeeper.
Niger Flickers found tears in their eyes as the last whistle was blown. GRA tasted their first victory making Ghana proud winning 4 goals to 3.
