AFCON2023Q: The Black Stars shine as they beat Madagascar 3-0 in their first group game
The Black Stars of Ghana got off to a dominant start in the 2023 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers with a convincing 3-0 win over Madagascar in a game played at the Cape Coast Stadium.
Goals from Kudus Mohammed, Felix Afena-Gyan and Osman Bulgarian gave Otto Addo’s men all three points and send them top of their group.
The first half ended in a very frustrating draw, after a first half in which Ghana dominated and created lots of chances but failed to convert any.
Poor finishing and a well calculated opponent in the Madagascar goalie, Razakanirina ensured the game remained goalless at the break.
Back from recess, The Black Stars continued to dominate and were rewarded when Kudus tapped into an empty net in the 53rd minute after a cutback from the right.
The lead was cushioned minutes later as Felix Afena-Gyan fired home a loose ball home from a Jordan Ayew corner.
The Black Stars thought they had scored a third when Kudus scored once again from a Baba Rahman cross but was ruled offside.
Ghana continued to attack and deservedly found a third when speedster Osman Bukari rounded the Madagascar goalkeeper before finding the net.
There was even time for a cameo by Mubarak Wakaso whose inclusion in the squad was hotly debated over the week.
The win takes the Black Stars top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Angola who beat CAR 2-1 in the other group game.
The Black Stars will face the Central African Republic in their next game on Sunday June 5, 2022.
