A new life has been breathed into Ghana’s hope of grabbing a medal following an impressive two straight sets win by the volleyball team against Nigeria, Thursday, June 20, 2019, at the Beach Park in the ongoing Africa beach games in Cape Verde.
Represented in the court by Kelvin Carboo and Samuel Essilfie, Ghana recorded 22 baskets as against 20 from their opponents to make their intentions known in the opening game.
The Ghanaians made life difficult for neighbors in the competition during the second set where Nigeria lost by 21-17 to set a date with Central Africa in the final group game on Friday.
“We had Nigeria in mind after beating them in our previous meeting and so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy for us because they were coming for a revenge. This win will serve as a tonic for us to face Central Africa in our last group game. We have already qualified but we want to top our group so we are going all out tomorrow”. Captain Kelvin Carboo speaks to the Team Media Officer Michael Okuley after their victory.
The defeat to Nigerians means they are out of the competition following their opening game loss to Central Africa.
In the other discipline, Ghana lost her opening basketball game to Mali by 17-21 baskets. Ghana started on a bright note with scintillating display but got fizzled out midway to conceded avoidable baskets to throw away their lead.
The physically strong Malians took the game beyond the reach of their Ghanaian counterparts to subject them to their first defeat. Ghana now must win their remaining two games to advance to the next stage when they meet West African neighbors Ivory Coast & hosts country Cape Verde on Friday.
‘It’s sad to open your campaign with a defeat. We are not discouraged as a team. We shall prepare very well to pick a slot for the next phase” The captain of the team Benjamin Debrah told Team Media Officer after their game.
Team Ghana’s involvement in the maiden Africa Beach Games was sponsored by Ashfoam Ghana Limited, Toyota Ghana, Allied Oil and Republic Bank.
Story: Michael Okuley
Twitter: @MikeOkuley
