Thomas Partey gives Ghana a one-nil win over Zimbabwe

Thomas Partey scored an important goal as Ghana temporarily take top place in Group G while Zimbabwe is confirmed out of the race for qualification to the next stage.

Following an early stutter in South Africa, Ghana needed to win all their matches to keep pace with the Bafana Bafana who leads the group by a lone point. New head coach, Milovan Rajevac secured his first victory at home against the Warriors but the task ahead in Harare was going to be a tough one.

Ghana had an early goal in the first leg but had to wait until a minute after the half-hour mark before Arsenal talisman Thomas Teye Partey smashed in a free-kick to put the Black Stars in the lead.

Though the goal could be blamed on the goalkeeper not doing more to stop it, all Ghana would care about is the three points which luckily the goal secured for them. Ghana who is temporarily occupying the top spot on the table in Group G will be hoping that the South Africa – Ethiopia game does them some favour ahead of the next round of matches in November where the Black Stars will play Ethiopia before rounding up their campaign against South Africa at home.

Black Stars captain Andre Ayew was used as a second-half substitute, coming on in the 86th minute for Kudus Mohammed. Under-20 star Issahaku Fatawu was not involved in the game but Caleb Ekuban, Samuel Owusu and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh were all brought in in the second half.

Meanwhile, France-based defender Alexander Djiku was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Joseph Aidoo with 74 minutes left to play.

By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com