The Black Stars have made it three wins in three games in the 2021 Afcon qualifiers after struggling to defeat Sudan in the first official game under new coach C.K Akonnor
Ghana defeated Sudan 2-0 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Group I fixture at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Thursday.
After several players including Thomas Teye Partey and Harrison Afful couldn’t make the trip, head coach C.K Akonnor was forced to name a depleted starting XI which had Asante Kotoko’s Christopher Nettey and Chelsea outcast Abdul Baba Rahman among the defenders.
Despite the setbacks, Ghana had a bright start as Tariq Fosu combined with Andre Ayew to set up Jordan Ayew by the 13th minute but the Crystal Palace striker couldn’t connect the pass.
However, Andre Ayew gave Ghana the lead by the 18th minute with a wonderful free-kick from 25-yards away as Sudan goalkeeper Ali Eshrein was caught ball watching.
Mohammed Abdelrahman caused several problems for Ghana’s back four and almost equalised by the 21st minute but missed the target narrowly.
Seven minutes later, Samuel Owusu could’ve doubled the Black Stars’ lead after latching onto a pass from Fosu but he agonisingly fluffed the chance.
With two minutes to the break, Sudan came close to level again the score after goalkeeper Richard Ofori made a terrible mistake but John Boye recovered on time to save the situation.
After the break, Fosu combined with Jordan and had an opportunity to score his debut goal but his last ditch effort went wide.
With ten minutes remaining, Andre Ayew added another goal with a sublime finish. The Swansea City star went past three defenders before slotting his effort into the left top corner.
Ghana, who are top of the group after winning all their three games, will travel to Khartoum next week to play Sudan in the return fixture on Tuesday.
