AFCON Qualifier: Ghana gets off to a perfect start with a 3-0 win over Madagascar
Ghana Black Stars began their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a huge spark after thrashing Madagascar 3-0 at the Cape Coast on Wednesday evening.
Coach Otto Addo’s charges played all the ball and created all the chances in the first half but failed to score thanks to a lack of precision and the proactiveness of Razakanira Rakotohasimbola in the post for the Bareas.
Jordan Ayew had two of Ghana’s best chances saved in the first half with the Black Stars proving wasteful with set-pieces having played over 10 set pieces in the first 45 minutes.
After the break, Ghana needed just eight minutes to make things happen with Kudus Mohammed slotting in from Afena Gyan’s cut back to give Ghana the lead. Afena Gyan then added his name to the score sheet three minutes later to cushion the Stars’ lead and all but secure the win heading into the final half-hour of the game.
With six minutes to end the game, substitute Osman Bukari also registered his name on the scoresheet following a mistake from the Madagascan backline. That kept Ghana 3-0 in front with less than five minutes to end proceedings.
The Black Stars could not add to their tally but held on to secure the win with a clean sheet and topped Group E thanks to the superior goal difference. Angola is second in the group thanks to the 2-1 win over the Central African Republic which is hosting the Black Stars in four days’ time with Madagascar at home against Angola.
