Soccer News of Friday, 24 August 2012

Source: GNA

Tearful Mantey feels let down

Hiroshima, Aug 24, GNA- Black Princesses goalkeeper Patricia Mantey wailed as though her world had come to an end following their second Group B defeat to Germany at the FIFA U-20 Womens World Cup in Japan.

Ghana was seeking to improve their outing as debutants in 2010 where they exited the competition at the first round barely staged a fight for a decent result but the goalkeeper believes poor officiating cost her side.

The Princesses crushed out of the competition after a second half German goal by substitute Lina Magull handed them their second defeat in Group D with uncontrollable Mantey telling GNA Sports ‘I feel so bad because this was a game we could have at least gotten a draw from.’

‘We worked very hard and I feel let down by poor officiating. Everybody thought that ball was a foul but the referee allowed it and before we knew, there was nothing I could do about it.

‘I am so hurt because this is my last world cup at this level and all I wanted was to do something special for my country by at least qualifying to the next stage even if we cannot be at the finals.’

Though the Coach will not open up on whether the indiscipline is on, off the field or both, he claimed the Princesses failed to comply with his tactical instruction during their 0-4 drubbing by the United States.

The Princesses are effectively out of the competition after the two losses and would attempt a face saving mission when they play China in their last Group D game on Monday.

The goal which left Mantey divested looked coming with the Germans asking the Ghanaians backline many questions through out the duration.

But Mantey had saved Ghana’s blushes in many ways with some breathe taken saves that left the victors considering options as whether to resort to long drives or walk on the Princesses defence.

Just when it appeared the Princesses could pull a point, Addei fell on the way in her quest to stop Magull who was set clear from a long ball in the middle right at the heart of injury time.

By Veronica Commey, GNA correspondent in Hiroshima, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports