As if attempting to erase the memory of the humiliating/humbling defeat of their male compatriots and put the smiles back on the faces of the Ghanaian hockey fans, the Black Sticks Ladies put on a classic display of attacking hockey to defeat their Egyptian counterparts by 3 goals to nil.
From the opening push-off, the BSL began to attack the Egyptian defense. After a series of incursions into the Egyptian half of the field, the BSL earned a penalty corner in the 20th minute which was beautifully converted by Beatrice Darko, much to the joy of the enthusiastic crowd.
The second goal came from a penalty stroke converted by Georgina Sam in the 30th minute. The Egyptian defense, reeling from the relentless attack of the BSL conceded a penalty corner. A brilliant strike by B. Darko was saved by the Egyptian goalie, but the ball rebounded towards a Ghanaian attacker whose shot at goal hit the foot of an Egyptian defender resulting in the award of the penalty stroke which was converted.
The Egyptian defense thereafter picked up their defensive effort preventing the BSL from increasing the score till the end of the half.
The second half was a more balanced game with the Egyptians making occasional forays into the Ghanaian territory while the Ghanaians continued to dominate the midfield while making searing attacks down the wings where they delighted the crowd with their skillful passing and stick-work.
About 30 seconds from the end of the game, BSL sealed victory with another strike from the penalty/short spot - a fitting conclusion to their impressive performance.
Earlier in the day, defending champion South Africa defeated a very determined Nigerian side by 3 goals to nil with goals from Cindy Brown (8th minute - P.C.), Loreen Irvine (35th minute - F.G.) and Kim Hubach (66th minute - P.C.).
Day 3 of the tournament continues on Sunday with the following pairings:
Men:
14:00: Egypt vs. South Africa
16:00: Ghana vs. Nigeria
Women:
18:00: Nigeria vs. Egypt
20:00: Ghana vs. South Africa
Source: AfHF
