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Goalkeeper Kingson turns goal scorer to rescue Ghana
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Goalkeeper Richard Kingson turned goal scorer to salvage a late 1-1 draw for Ghana against Tanzania Wednesday in a friendly international.
Kingson, unattached since his mid-year release by Birmingham City after their relegation from the English Premiership, raced forward to head home a free kick taken by brother Laryea with seven minutes left in Arusha.
Henry Joseph had given the 'Taifa Stars' a 34th-minute lead over opponents lacking many Europe-based professionals by heading a Juma Jabu cross past Kingson.
It was the first chance for new coach Milovan Rajevac to see 2008 African Nations Cup bronze medallists Ghana in action ahead of a crucial 2010 World Cup-African Nations Cup qualifier in Libya next month.
"I'm satisfied with the result and felt my players did not perform badly. I have been with the team only one week and still experimenting with different formations," said the Serb.
Libya made a disappointing start to a three-match build-up for their top-of-the-table showdown with Ghana when held 0-0 by 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists Senegal in Tripoli.
Gabon, who upset Ghana in a World Cup qualifier two months ago, edged Mali 1-0 in France courtesy of a 30th-minute goal from Hungary-based striker Roguy Meye, who partnered recalled Daniel Cousin from Glasgow Rangers.
Democratic Republic of Congo also triumphed on French soil, defeating first division club Auxerre 2-0 through goals from midfielders Marcel Mbayo and Biscotte Mbala.
Ivory Coast shaded Guinea 2-1 in Chantilly near Paris with Boubacar Sanogo snatching the winner on the stroke of half-time after an early Ivorian goal from Bakari Kone was cancelled by Ismael Bangoura within 120 seconds.
After including Chelsea striker Didier Drogba in a 22-man squad, Ivory Coast coach Vahid Halilhodzic opted not to use his captain who is recovering from a knee injury.
Mozambique, who host Ivory Coast in a World Cup qualifier next month, went on first-half goal rampage to trounce Swaziland 3-0 in Maputo with veteran striker Dario Monteiro scoring twice and Elias Pelembe once.
Edward Sadomba hit the goal that earned Zimbabwe a 1-0 win over neighbours Botswana in Harare and an early Rafik Djebour strike brought Algeria victory by a similar score over the United Arab Emirates in France.
A stoppage-time goal from Jose Carlos salvaged a 1-1 draw for Angola in Tunis after recent Hertha Berlin signing Amine Chermiti had put Tunisia ahead late in the opening half.
Morocco began life under new French coach Roger Lemerre with a convincing 3-1 win against resurgent Benin in Rabat while Teko Modise rifled a superb equaliser to give South Africa a 2-2 draw with Australia in London.
The penultimate series of first round World Cup-Nations Cup qualifiers are scheduled for the first weekend of September.
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