The Black Stars breathed life back into their chances of qualifying to the World Cup holding next year with a home victory over the Warriors on Saturday
Ghana defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Saturday to close the gap between them and South Africa.
The Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac named Steadfast FC youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and English fourth-tier goalkeeper Joe Wollacot in the squad to play his first game as he marked his return to the job that he left behind in 2010.
Ghana began the game with a 4-2-3-1 formation as Wollacot started ahead of Switzerland based goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi while the defensive set up was made up of Daniel Amartey on the right wing back while Baba Rahman was on the left wing back position.
Alexander Djiku and Jonathan Mensah were paired in central defence while Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey took over the defensive holding role. Youngster Kamaldeen Sulemana Issahaku, Kudus Mohammed and Jordan Ayew made up the offensive midfield department with captain Andre Ayew leading the attack.
Ghana made their intentions to win the day clear right from the blast of the whistle.
Kudus sent the Black Stars in front by the fifth minute with a wonderful finish after he combined with Jordan Ayew. The Crystal Palace striker who has come under a lot of criticisms set up Kudus and the Ajax midfielder calmly slotted in his finish beyond the reach of Zimbabwe goalkeeper.
After the break, Zimbabwe restored parity by the 49th minute through Knowledge Musonda. The Al Tai striker sent goalkeeper Joe Wollacott to the wrong side from the penalty spot.
However, Ghana restored their lead by the 66th minute through Thomas Partey. The Arsenal midfielder sent in a fine finish to break down the bulwark defence of the visitors.
Andre Ayew added another goal by the 87th minute to end all hopes by Zimbabwe to stage a late comeback in the game.
Ayew had scored four goals in his last four games for Al Sadd before arriving in Ghana and this goal against Zimbabwe means that he has scored five goals in five games for club and country.
Ghana will now travel to Harare on Sunday evening for the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday.
In the other group game, South Africa secured a 2-1 away win over Ethiopia in Addis Ababa earlier today. They now have seven points and Ghana have six points