Ghana’s Male Hockey team, the Black Sticks

Hockey: Black Sticks beat Sri Lanka in World League

George Ernest Asare Sports News Mar - 06 - 2017 , 19:50 2 minutes read

After suffering a 3-7 heavy defeat to China in their Hockey World League Round 2 first match last Saturday, Ghana’s Male Hockey team, the Black Sticks bounced back with a more determined game, making it possible for them to beat Sri Lanka 5-4 yesterday.

The match , played at the Dhaka’s Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium in Bangladesh, saw Ghana’s potent striker, Johnny Botsio at his striking best, scoring a hat-trick to give his side the needed tonic to overpower their overbearing opponents.

Ghana started the match against Sri Lanka with venom, as they attacked from all angles and succeeded in scoring in the 3rd minute through potent striker Botsio who converted a penalty corner.

Ghana continued attacking as the game wore on, and midway into the game, they were rewarded through Elise Akaba who pounced on a lose ball to beat his markers before slotting home beautifully.

A minute later, Michael Kofi Baiden added his name to the score sheet with a superb volley. The goal demoralised their opponents, making it possible for Ghana to add another goal two minute later through Baiden to end the half.

Just as the fans were rooting for Ghana to continue their demolition exercise, Sri Lanka bounced back and scored two quick goals to reduce the tally. Galvanised by the quick goals, they started making inroads into the territory of Ghana and scored two additional goals to level up the scores.

The game then became balanced, with both sides attacking each other. It was at that time that Botsio exhibited his striking prowess by utilising a penalty corner in the 57th minute to win the day for Ghana.

The Hockey World League Round 2 which started last Saturday is expected to end on Sunday, March 12.

Ghana, Malaysia, China, Egypt, Oman, Sri Lanka, Fiji and host country Bangladesh are battling for a top two finish in order to guarantee a place in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, where those coveted berths at the men’s Hockey World Cup 2018 in India are up for grabs.