Ghana scored three second half goals to beat Madagascar 3-0 on Match Day 1 of the Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023 qualifier Wednesday evening.
Playing in front of the Ghanaian crowed for the first time after sealing a place at the World Cup Qatar 2022, Coach Otto named a strong starting line up that included Andfre Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Amartey, Abdul Baba Rahman and Felix Afena Gyan.
After a barren first half, the team produced a master class performance in the second half as Mohammed Kudus, Felix Afena-Gyan and Osman Bukari gave the Black Stars a majestic win at the Cape Coast Stadium.
Mohammed Kudus gave Ghana the lead in the 54th minute after smashing home a low cross from Felix Afena-Gyan. Right back Denis Odoi intercepted a ball from the right side before a laying pass to Afena Gyan who located Kudus – and with the goalkeeper at his mercy, the Ajax man slotted home for the opener.
Ghana doubled the lead two minutes later as Afena Gyan netted his debut goal with a cheeky flick after meeting a Gideon Mensah cross.
With the team coasting to a comfortable home win Osman Bukari, sealed victory in the 85th minutes – as he rounded up the Madagascar goalkeeper before slotting home.
Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku came close in the first half but the brilliance of goalkeeper Tokifan Dressena kept the visitors in the game as they headed into the break with their chest high.
The Black Stars returned from the break strongly and just nine minutes into the second half, Mohammed Kudus broke the deadlock before Afena Gyan and Osman Bukari got on the score sheet with the 2nd and 3rd of the night.
Coach Otto later introduced Antoine Semenyo, Osman Bukari and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh for Felix Afena-Gyan, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Captain Andre Ayew.
Edmund Addo was also given the chance to have a feel of the game as he came on for Baba Idrissu before Mubarak Wakaso came on for Mohammed Kudus.
Ghana thus takes a commanding lead in Group E of the qualifiers. The Black Stars will later take on Central African Republic on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
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