Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi has witnessed so many great moments since South Africa's Siyambonga Nomvethe's sole strike secure a win for Bafana
Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi has witnessed so many great moments since South Africa’s Siyambonga Nomvethe’s sole strike secure a win for Bafana Bafana against Ghana in the quarter-finals of the 2000 AFCON.
Nigeria and Ghana co-hosted the competition. The Black Stars were not as strong as they should be. It was 6th February 2000, Bayern Munich’s Sammy Kuffuor wept with people struggling to control him.
It was tears that will take 24 years for people to forget.
Pedro Goncalves’ Angola were determined to destroy Black Stars, per his words in the pre-match conference. The tactician waxed lyrical about Black Stars talents ahead of the game. He stressed that Ghana is so strong in attack, the other departments, they were going to exploit and they duly did it.
Angola started with 3 at the back, four in defence and 3 in attack. The partnership of Carmo, Bastos and Gasper was so solid and impregnable. The wing backs of Fortuna and Mata always supported the back three making Issahaku and Semenyo finding things difficult
The double pivot of Show and skipper Fredy proved to be the greatest thing for Angola as they battled Partey and Elisha for every ball.
First half was pretty equal as both sides enjoyed equal possession and had few chances.
Mabulu, who has been the main man for Angola’s attack was tamed by Salisu and Mumin. Dala and Nteka on the wings failed to impress hence Goncalves needed to make alterations.
Cagliari’s Luvumbo was always going to be the most dangerous player for Angola. His introduction in the second half brought a new rivalry between him and Alidu Seidu. Both were seen trading rough tackles on so many occasions. The Angolan winger won the battle in the extra time as he turned Alidu inside out to send a low cross which unfortunately was cleared poorly by Abdul Mumin. The ball fell into Milson’s path who calmly slotted home the ball to record an incredible win for the Palancas Negras of Angola.
Defeat at the Baba Yara for Ghana has been coming as Ghana’s recent games in Kumasi have failed to spark. Teams have dared and tried to beat Ghana at their fortress.
It’s 24 years and 5 months since Ghana lost in Oseikrom. Milson’s name will replace Nomvethe’s name for a long time.
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