Report: England Deaf Men 5-0 Gabon

England Deaf Men ensured they topped Group D at the World Deaf Football Championships with a dominant 5-0 win over Gabon.

The Para Lions headed into their final group game knowing their place in the last 16 was already secure courtesy of their 4-1 win over Australia and 5-1 defeat of Nigeria.

But the top spot in Group D was still up for grabs in Kuala Lumpur, with Gabon also boosting a 100 per cent record heading into the clash.

However, a hat-trick from captain Jamie Clarke plus goals from Oliver Manoochehri and Will Palmer ensured the victory was never in doubt.

England’s focus now turns to their last 16 clash with the USA on Friday, which will kick-off at 1.30pm BST and be shown live on the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association’s YouTube channel.

Head coach Sam Manoochehri made six changes to his starting line-up against Gabon, as Sam Edwards, Rylan Casey, Oliver Manoochehri, Drew Rowley, Henry Bowe and Kehmati Anderson all came into the side.

England thought they had taken the lead after just 25 seconds when Harry Boorman’s volley was diverted in by captain Clarke but the offside flag was raised.

The Para Lions were totally dominant in the first half, as Clarke hit the side-netting, Anderson had a shot blocked and Gabon needed a last-ditch clearance and a save to deny Manoochehri twice in quick succession.

But their dominance paid off six minutes before half time when classy midfielder Phil Swift showed good feet before picking out Manoochehri and the striker controlled expertly to create the space to slot home.

And it was more good work from Manoochehri which led to England’s second goal in first-half injury-time as he closed down the goalkeeper’s clearance and Clarke was left with the simplest of finishes.

There was still time before the interval for England to grab a third as a superb cross from substitute Cavell Donaldson was nodded home at the back post by Clarke.

Within five minutes of the restart, Clarke completed his hat-trick as he latched on to Gino King’s through ball and dinked over the on-rushing Gabon goalkeeper.

England’s fifth goal arrived soon after when substitute Will Palmer headed King’s corner into the roof of the net.

England: 13 Sam Edwards, 2 Harry Boorman, 4 Phil Swift, 5 Matt Oaten, 6 Rylan Casey, 9 Jamie Clarke ©, 10 Oliver Manoochehri, 11 Matt McQueeney, 16 Drew Rowley, 17 Henry Bowe, 20 Kehmati Anderson

Substitutes: 14 Cavell Donaldson for McQueeney 37, 15 Gino King for Swift 45, 18 Cole Neil for Anderson 45, 19 Will Palmer for Clarke 60

Substitutes not used: 1 Alex Smith, 3 Dylan Cross, 7 Abdou Jobe, 8 Ellis McLean, 12 Joe Dixon

Head coach: Sam Manoochehri

Goals: Oliver Manoochehri 39, Jamie Clarke 45+1, 45+3, 50, Will Palmer 66