The former La Liga star scored the only goal as the Black Stars marched on to record their first victory in the World Cup qualifiers
Ghana defeated Ethiopia 1-0 in Group G’s first game of the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Friday at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
With Zimbabwe earlier sharing the spoils goalless against South Africa at home, the Black Stars were in dire need of a win to secure top spot in the group.
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori started in post while Andy Yiadom, Baba Abdul Rahman, Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku were the back four sitting in front of him.
Wakaso Mubarak and Real Mallorca midfielder Baba Iddrisu teamed up with Kamaldeen Sulemana and Jeffrey Schlupp in midfield. In attack, it was the Ayew brothers who led pushed upfront in search of goals for the Black Stars.
On the seventh minute, Wakaso Mubarak skied his effort before Andre Ayew headed wide a cross from his junior brother Jordan five minutes later.
On 22nd minute, Andre Ayew meandered his way through the Ethiopians’ box but his last ditch shot was blocked by an opponent and the danger was later cleared.
Five minutes later, Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp picked up a calf injury and was substituted for Daniel Kyereh to make his debut appearance for Ghana.
The Black Stars finally found the opener by the 35th minute mark. The former Deportivo Alaves star sent in a long range shot which surprisingly went through the legs of Ethiopia goalkeeper Tekelemariam Shanko.
The goal marked Wakaso’s 13th international goal for Ghana in 59 matches since making his debut in 2012 for the Black Stars.
After the break, Ethiopia coach Wobetu Abate who was very furious changed goalkeeper Shanko for their substitute goalkeeper to take charge.
The Black Stars pushed men upfront to look for the goal which would have given them a cushion but the Ethiopians defence were resolute.
Ghana made a double substitution by the 68th minute as Yaw Yeboah and Dainel Lomotey replaced Kamaldeen Sulemana and goalscorer Mubarak Wakaso respectively.
Ethiopia nearly found the equaliser by the 83rd minute but goalkeeper Ofori made a wonderful effort to save the ball.
Six minutes later, former Asokwa Deportivo youngster Joel Fameye replaced Jordan Ayew but the his impact wasn’t felt as it was too little to late.
Ghana held on to carry the day despite an unimpressive performance. The Black Stars will leave Cape Coast on Saturday morning to Accra and then travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the game against Bafana Bafana at the Soccer City Sports Stadium on Monday.
