AS Roma youngster, Felix Afena-Gyan scored his first goal for Ghana after humbling Madagascar by a resounding 3-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium in their opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars started on a higher note, youngster Afena-Gyan was brought down in the box and resulted in an attacking throw. Quickly effected, ball fell on Jordan Ayew's way but his strike was tipped off for a wasted corner kick.
The homesters kept on with the pressure in search for the opener after skipper Andre Ayew was fouled in the box but fell outside and the referee surprisingly awarded a free kick which was a wasted effort subsequently.
Denis Odoi came close to getting the opener for Ghana on the 15th minute after cutting in nicely from the right but his effort went side netting.
Madagascar with their first attempt after they were awarded a free kick on the right flanks. Deep one floated but was dealt with properly by the Ghanaian backline.
Jordan Ayew with a quick response after making a swift run to send a powerful hit but was parried out to a corner kick which was once again saved by goalkeeper Nina Razakanirina.
The Bareas with their best chance in the game on the 37th minute, Julio Donisa set up Tsilavina Fanomezantsoa in the box in one on one situation but shot wide for a restart. It finished goalless at half time.
In the second half, Ghana once again with another blistering start after Afena-Gyan made a good run into the box, trying laying off a pass to Andre but was too wide beyond his reach.
The Black Stars finally took the lead on the 52nd minute. Just what the home fans have been waiting for, leaving them in raptures.
Denis Odoi with a great run, sets up Afena-Gyan in the box who quickly followed up with a cut back cross and was tapped into the roof of the post by Kudus Mohammed for the opener.
Just three minutes after going up, Ghana doubled their lead on the 55th minute through AS Roma youngster Felix Afena-Gyan. His first for the national team.
Kudus Mohammed on the 67th made a run to connect into the net from Baba Rahman's inswing cross but was ruled out for offside.
Madagascar with their first dangerous opportunity in the second half after Bastien Heru chipped in a cross but was headed out by Denis Odoi.
Substitute Osman Bukari finally sealed the victory for Ghana on the 83rd minute after receiving a pass from Semenyo, rounded the goalkeeper and plotted home to make it 3-0 for Ghana.
And that's how it ended in Cape Coast. Coach Otto Addo banged his first win for the Black Stars.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
