Christian Atsu scored the match winner as Ghana’s Black Stars defeated Togo 3-2 in a 2015 African Nations Cup qualifier in Lome Togo.
With five changes to the starting lineup, Kwesi Appiah was determined to win this game, as reports had emerged that failure to win could cost him his job.
The game started in the worst possible way for Ghana, after Floyd Ayite was afforded time and space to run at goal. His attempt hit Stephen Adams but bounced off him into the empty net for the opener.
This was just 12 minutes in, but the Black Stars, looking much improved from the 1-1 draw with Uganda on Saturday, kept pressing forward, with Andre Ayew and younger brother Jordan particularly linking up well.
Soon the equalizer came when Kwadwo Asamoah, who grafted really well into midfield, sent in a cross. Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan got in between two defenders and headed home past Agassa Kossi for the equalizer.
Ten minutes later Ghana went into the lead and it was a result of a flowing move. Gyan found Jordan Ayew, who held the ball up well and sent Baba Rahman down the flanks.
The debutant left back sent in a cross that saw Emmanuel Agyemang Badu glance a header past Agassa for the leader.
In the second half, Appiah withdrew Andre Ayew and brought on Rabiu Mohammed to solidify the middle, but Togo kept probing and 13 minutes from time, Emmanuel Adebayor headed home a free kick.
With the game heading towards a draw, a wonderful through ball by Kwadwo Asamoah found Atsu who raced through and fired home with his weaker right foot; five minutes from time. Ghana held on for the three points and possibly, helped save Kwesi Appiah’s job for now.
Ghana’s XI
Stephen Adams, Harrison Afful, Awal Mohammed, Jonathan Mensah, Baba Rahman, Kwadwo Asamoah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Christian Atsu /Edwin Gyimah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew /Rabiu Mohammed, Jordan Ayew.
