Not again

As we contemplated our most most recent loss we were told by a supporter, "You are the coaches, you should be sacked." With the criticisms still on my mind after Wednesdays dissapointing defeat it was on to another crucial match where only a victory could keep our promotion hopes alive. Our team minibus was met by another of our 'supporters' as we arrived at LA Aviation Park warning us that, 'If we lose I will smash up the bus'. I was inclined to believe the man as he held a baseball bat in his hand! I took the only option available to me and assured him that today we would win.

The game started slowly with the scores level at 0-0 after 36 minutes, neither side had really had a clear chance. Out of nowhere a fight had kicked off along the touchline from where I was standing, this is not particularly rare and it seemed the game would go on. It then became clear that a number of the opposing supporters had begun to attack the Linesman, punches were being thrown towards him. After a short time the linesman emerged from the melee with cuts to his face.

The trouble continued on the sidelines as stones were being thrown by the home fans. This is not professional football with thousands of supporters; the average game will probably see a crowd of about 100 people with around 10 travelling to watch the game for the away team. As the situation calmed the officials left the park and the game was brought to a premature end. The week has once again begun with an appeal to the Ghanaian FA to award Cantonments the 3 points.

Where's the ball gone?

'The ball is in your bag, white man you have cheated us!' With 15 minutes remaining of a league game yesterday the game was interrupted by an opposing player running onto the field to steal the matchball. The game was on a knife edge, we were dominating but the score remained 1-1 in a game we needed to win. In the aftermath I attempted to run after the man who had stolen the ball, footballs are an expensive commodity in Ghana.


The chaos that followed was typical, only in Ghana could a man wielding a machete at a football match not cause widespread panic. Despite the utterly chaotic scenes, the situation never seemed dangerous, the volunteers who travelled to watch the game all had a great time. I was slightly more stressed by the situation, encouraging our players to stay focused on the game that could re-commence at anytime.


The referee made the decision that the game could not continue until the ball was returned. The opposing players were convinced that we had got the ball back and hidden it so the game would be postponed. After 50 minutes of heated debate between players, officials and supporters the referee blew the final whistle and it seems the 3 points will be awarded to Cantonments. The day ended with jubilant celebrations from our players.


This brought a bizarre end to what had been an unbelievable weekend, which also saw the Under 17 side win a regional tournament. Added to this was the success of one young player, who has been scouted to join a Ghanian side travelling to the Dana Cup in Denmark.