With a convincing 3-0 win over Madagascar, Ghana’s Black Stars got off to a flawless start in the 2023 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
Otto Addo’s men took all three points thanks to goals from Kudus Mohammed, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Osman Bukari.
After a first half in which Ghana dominated and generated numerous chances but failed to score, the game appeared to be heading for a painful conclusion on the Stars’ return to the Cape Coast Stadium.
The game remained goalless at halftime due to poor finishing and a tenacious opponent in Madagascar’s goalkeeper.
At the start of the second half, the Black Stars continued to dominate and were rewarded when Kudus tapped into an empty net after a cutback from the right in the 53rd minute.
Afena-Gyan pushed a loose ball home from a Jordan Ayew corner to double the advantage minutes later.
The Black Stars were in complete control at this point, as Kudus pushed in a third goal from a Baba Rahman cross.
Ghana pressed forward and rightfully added a third goal when substitute Osman Bukari around the Madagascar goalkeeper and sent the ball into the net.
Mubarak Wakaso, whose place in the squad had been highly contested all week, even made an appearance.
The Black Stars now lead Group E on goal differential, one goal ahead of Angola, who defeated CAR 2-1 in the other group match.
