Soccer News of Monday, 14 February 2005

Source: GNA

Lumumba Stars are C/R Middle League champions

Cape Coast Feb.14, GNA - Eyisam Lumumba Stars on Sunday whipped Great Odupon 3-1 to lift the Central Regional Division Two Middle League trophy in the final match played at the Robert Mensah Sports stadium in Cape Coast.

Lumumba Stars have by this victory thus gained promotion to the First Division for the 2005 league season.

After FIFA referee, Joseph Macarthy had whistled for proceedings to begin, it was the Stars who started on a confidence note with an all attacking game and scored the opener in the 31st minute through their midfielder, Ebenezer Ansah.

The Stars from then never looked back as they continued to pile pressure on their opponents and it came as no surprise when they increased the tally to 2-0 in the 66th minute through a free kick expertly taken by inside right, Sampson Kuranchie.

Sensing defeat, Odupon reorganised themselves and counter attacked and their efforts were rewarded when they reduced the tally to 2-1 through centre half, Ntow Gyan when he headed home a cross in the 75th minute.

Odupon continued to press for the equaliser but their hopes of levelling up the scores were dashed when Stars outside right, Bedu Aidoo increased the tally to 3-1 in the 81st minute.

Aidoo, after collecting a pass in the midfield, outrun his markers and cleverly lobbed the ball past Odupon's on-rushing keeper. After receiving the trophy from Dr Kofi Asante Danquah, a member of the Regional Disciplinary Committee later presented the trophy to Lumumba Stars who immediately went on a carnival through the principal streets of the Municipality.

Referee Macarthy who excelled during the match was also given a standing ovation during and after the match by both officials of the two teams and the football fans for his good performance and fairness.