Ghana qualifies for Ivory Coast AFCON after defeating CAR at Baba Yara Stadium (Video)
After defeating the Central African Republic (CAR) on Thursday at the Baba Yara Stadium, Ghana secured their berth at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars had to come from behind to defeat Raoul Savoy’s tenacious team 2-1 because they left it late.
After Mohammed Kudus’ free kick negated Louis Mfouta’s early goal, the hosts in Kumasi won thanks to a late strike from replacement Ernest Nuamah.
Although Thomas Partey, Daniel Amartey, and Mohammed Salisu are out, Chris Hughton has selected a potent lineup for the match against the Wild Beasts.
After a sluggish start, the Black Stars were ultimately penalized when Mafouta struck again, sliding in behind the defense to score the game’s first goal in the 25th minute.
The CAR striker evaded the offside trap and sped past the advancing goalie to put the ball in the open goal.
Hughton’s team appeared to have given Ghana life after conceding the initial goal, as they started to open up and challenge the visitors. Kudus’ free-kick goal late in the first half gave the Black Stars their breakthrough despite their inability to generate clear-cut chances.
Both teams had minimal opportunities in the second half, but Ghana’s substitutions ultimately made the difference, as Semenyo and Nuamah combined to make it 2-1, with the former sending the latter up for a tap-in.
As group champions, Ghana earns a qualification spot for the AFCON in the Ivory Coast the following year, while CAR is left out because Angola also received a ticket after placing second in the group.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
