Ghana failed to notch a shot and were trailing Wales by only one goal until the fourth quarter. But a glaring video umpire howler put a spanner in the works of an otherwise “proud” performance as the Welsh ran out 4-0 winners.
A Wales player clearly kicked the ball during their goal, much to the chagrin of the Ghanaians – while there was an earlier mix up on a penalty corner decision – as Kevin Johnson’s side scored three in the final quarter to put some much-needed gloss on their first Commonwealth Games win in Birmingham.
The Hockey Paper has asked world hockey for the number of camera angles available to the VU compared to other FIH-sanctioned events. The review looked to be a foregone conclusion, but there was still a mix-up between umpire and VU.
“The girls played really well and the positive thing is that they are improving every game,” said Ghana coach Ali Ghazanfar.
“We did well up to half-time. I don’t really complain about the umpiring but the yellow card was harsh and there were a couple of decisions which weren’t fair.”
Ghazanfar, who is also coaching the men’s side, will only be overseeing the Ghana teams for the duration of the Games.
He hopes to leave a legacy in place for Ghana national sides to have regular matches for growth.
“The challenges for the developing nations is funding and resource,” said Ghazanfar, wh coaches Fylde women’s 1s in the National Conference.
“To continue the process is key. I told Ghana Hockey, they can take it further. What you can’t do is finish the Commonwealth Games, have a good run and then stop and wait a few years for the ANC or the next Games.”
Scotland women later hit 11 past Kenya without reply. Fiona Burnet, Charlotte Watson and Sarah Jamieson all bagged two each.
