Ghana’s senior national men’s cricket team suffered their second defeat at the ongoing West Africa Trophy tournament in Lagos Nigeria on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Having lost by 35 runs against host Nigeria on Day 3, Ghana had a bad day against Rwanda, losing by 47 runs.
Rwanda, ensuring they took revenge against Ghana, after losing the exciting Super Over game by 3 runs on Thursday, scored 109 runs for 5 wickets. Eric Dusingizimana was great in the crease, as he stayed on from the first over till the innings ended, scoring 56 runs, off 65 balls, not out, while Ghana had no answers to his stay.
The second innings saw quick fall of wickets for Ghana, who could not chase this time round, managing 60 runs, all out in 15.3 overs.
After 4 overs, Ghana had lost 5 wickets and were 14 runs on the scoreboard, with Samson, Godfred, Kelvin, Rexford and Daniel all taking early changes within 13 balls bowled from the 2.2 over. They reduced the required runs from balls left at a point but with another fall of wicket; Obed Harvey 18(20), things turned upside down again and it was very glare, Ghana were going to lose.
Having improved from Day 1 after beating Sierra Leone but losing to Nigeria, Ghana hoped to have repeated the win against Rwanda, but the latter came stronger and well prepared than the first game.
Captain of Ghana’s Team, Samson Kwasi Awe Awiah says they could have done better.
“Let me say this is a bitter pill to swallow. What actually happened was the successive fall of wickets really broke the lineup or our plan and I think that is one thing that really hit us. And it is really hard for us, it is understandable but I am really short of words, as in what to say but it is a hard one for us. Yes, we have won three matches but I don’t think it is enough for us, with our capacity, I think we should do better than that. At least, played five and lost just one, it will be positive on our side.”
More matches ahead for Ghana, who still hope to finish first two and qualify to the finals.
However, after 5 straight days of Cricket, there is rest day on Monday, October 9, 2023 with actions returning on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Ghana will face rivals Nigeria for the second time on Tuesday at 10am in a revenge quest.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
