Ghana rounded up their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign in fine fashion by a 3-1 home victory over Sao Tome and Principe in their final game on Sunday.
Ghana finished first on the table to book their 23rd qualification for the continental tournament to be held in Cameroon, one point above Sudan, who beat South Africa 2-0 to finish second and pick the other available ticket.
Ghana came into the game having already booked qualification for the tournament after Thursday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa, but that did not stop coach CK Akonnor from fielding a strong XI.
Thomas Partey, Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew were restored into the line-up after missing the trip to South Africa due to Covid-19 travel challenges.
Ghana started strongly, mounting pressure, but it was the visitors who paradoxically had the first big chance as a shot across the face of goal rolled past without a connection.
Ghana broke the deadlock through Amiens centre-back Nicholas Opoku, who rose high to head Mohammed Kudus’ corner into the net.
Ghana made it 2-0 in the 31st minute after Jordan Ayew, latching onto a Kudus through-ball and being brought down, picked himself up and cooly slotted the spot kick into the net.
After the break, Ghana found the third goal as Chelsea loanee Baba slotted a shot into the net from close range after Kudus drove his way into the box to set it all up.
In the 83rd minute, Sao Tome pulled a goal back as goalkeeper Razak Abalora, in an attempt to play from the back, saw his ball intercepted by substitute Iniesta who slotted into an empty net to punish the lackadaisical Asante Kotoko No.1.
Credit: goal.com
The post Ghana beat Sao Tome to finish Afcon qualifiers in style appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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