Soccer News of Sunday, 6 July 2008

Source: GNA

Bahmed bids US Ambassador farewell

Accra, July 6, GNA - Bahmed XI on Sunday lost 2-3 to Felix Yeboah XI in a special friendly match played at the Prisons Park, Cantonments in honour of Pamela Brigewater the outgoing United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Ghana.

Led by Alhaji Ahmed Bandoh, Chief Executive of Bahmed Travel and Tours, sponsors of the match, Bahmed XI took the lead in the early minutes of the game through a perfect free kick executed by Major Tong Vang of the US Embassy in Accra. Inspired by two former Hearts of Oak and Black Stars players, Emmanuel Armah "Senegal" and Nii Noi Dowuona, Bahmed XI sustained pressure on their opponents and created series of decent chances but wasted them.

The Yeboah XI, however, managed to fetch the equaliser before the close of the first half through Samuel Addo who capitalised on misunderstanding in the defensive set-up of the opponents to slot in the ball.

Yeboah XI increased the tally in the second half when Richard Inkoom broke through the defence of the Bahmed team before displacing the goalkeeper to coolly place ball into an empty net. Inkoom was on target again in the 70th minute when he jumped above the Bahmed X1 defence to nod home a perfect cross from Joseph Simpsonto to put the game beyond the reach of their opponents.

Bahmed XI fought relentlessly to redeem their image but saw most of the chances they created missing target on all occasions. In their search for a redemption goal, Bahmed XI were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute of the game which was perfectly converted by Richard Addo. Gingered by the goal, Bahmed XI mounted intense pressure on Yeboah XI to level up the scores but poor shooting up front and over elaboration denied them the much needed goal. Yeboah XI were presented with the ultimate trophy, 500 GHC and assorted items, whilst Bahmed XI pocketed 200GHC and assorted items. In a post match interview, Bridgewater said "I'm highly honoured on this day and I will forever be grateful to the organisers." She continued "I'm a football fan and will remain so". Alhaji Bandoh told the GNA Sports that he was motivated by the successes chalked by the US Ambassador during her tenure of office in Ghana to organise the farewell match in her honour. She said the match is therefore in appreciation of the contributions of Bridgewater to the US-Ghana relationship. 07 July 08