Accra, July 18, GNA - Ghana's female hockey team, the Black Sticks won Silver at the 2009 Africa Hockey Federation Cup for Nations tournament at the National Hockey Stadium, Accra, on Saturday. The Black Sticks after losing 5-1 in the finals of the tournament to their highly-rated South Africa counterparts were however determined to rewrite history by clinching the gold medal, and put up an impressive performance in the first half despite conceding two goals, in which they deserved at least deserved a goal.

The Tournament's Top Scorer, Shelley Russell of South Africa however, ensured that she opened the scores in the 10th minute through a field goal with Vida Riyan increasing the tally in the 35th minute also through a field goal.

Despite the early upset, the Ghanaian Ladies were determined to go all out for the goal, but their dreams were put off when Russell was on target to add two more field goals in the 38th and 41st minutes of the second half.

As the Ghanaians made attempts to reduce the tally, Russell got her third field goal in the 50th minute but the introduction of Monica Sewell-Grant for the home side brought on much urgency in their game and with her efforts, the Black Sticks had a face saving field goal in the 67th minute.

The goal gingered up the Ghanaians to probe for more goals but it was too little too late for them as the South Africans held on to the lead to ensure they grab the Gold medal with ease. The South Africans at the end of the tournament grabbed almost all the medals as took the 'Most Exciting Female Team' of the Tournament, with Russel winning the 'Top Scorer Award'. Merescia Marsha followed with the 'Most Prestigious Female Player' of the Tournament, whilst Rix Marriete was voted the 'Best Goalkeeper' of the Tournament in the Female category, whilst Egyptian El Sabbah Nour Mohamed picked up the 'Most Promising Player' of the Tournament. The consolation for the host, Ghana was when Pamela Condobrey took home the 'Top Defender' of the Tournament award in the female category.