Substitute Antoine Semenyo's lone goal in the dying embers has powered Ghana to an important 1-0 win over Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in match-day 3 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Angolans didn't start really well but nearly took their host by surprise with a free kick from their skipper Kialonda Gaspar but was parried away by Ati-Zigi.
The Black Stars responded quickly with a counter break, Jordan Ayew was onto that one but was dispossessed to a wasted corner kick.
Ghana came so close to opening the scoring account on the 5th minute after Dennis Odoi broke from the right to cut back a decent pass to Kudus in the box but his strike missed the post by inches.
The Palanca Negras with also a huge opportunity to snatch the lead after Nzola Mbala got onto a cross from the right but his effort was headed out by Denis Odoi to a wasted corner kick.
Kudus Mohammed turned beautifully just at the edge of the box and sent a strong hit but was piled out by goalkeeper Adilson Cruiz.
The visitors with another free kick at a very advantageous position, in by captain Kialonda Gaspar but was cleared away by Daniel Amartey. It ended goalless at half time.
Back from recess, Pedro Goncalves men came back explosively with some dangerous attempts on goal but had all their two attempts checked by Alexander Djiku.
On the 52nd minute, Kamaldeen Sulemana raced away from his marker to get in the box, followed up with a strong hit but was tipped off the crossbar by Adilson Cruiz.
Kamaldeen Sulemana once again cuts in beautifully from the left after taking off two players but skied wide for a restart. That was poor!
Ghana attacking with so much intent and purpose in search of the opener after Jordan Ayew sent a strong hit but was parried away once again by the visitors goalie.
Coach Chris Hughton made three changes on the 68th minute, bringing in Antoine Semenyo, Joseph Paintsil and Salis Abdul Samed for Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew and Edmund Addo, hoping to turn things around in the second half.
Ghana finally snatched the lead in the dying embers of the game after Antoine Semenyo pounced on a clanger from goalkeeper Cruiz who failed to handle Kudus free kick properly to plot into the net to leave the Kumasi fans in complete raptures.
It ended 1-0 for Ghana after full time and have now maintained their lead at the top of Group E with seven points.
The Black Stars will travel to Luanda for the return encounter on Monday, March 27, 2023.
