Thomas Partey and Kudus fire Ghana to first victory in 2021 AFCON qualifiers after a 2-0 win over South Africa
Ghana inflicted an inspiring 2-0 defeat on South Africa for their first AFCON qualifier game at the Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday evening. Thanks to Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus first half and second half strikes respectively.
Ghana welcomed South Africa to the Cape Coast Stadium for their first 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying game as Ghana run a brilliant show against Bafana Bafana on Thursday night.
With Ghana building entirely new team, the popular names in Akwesi Appiah’s eleven against South Africa included Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey and Andre Ayew who captained Black Stars on the night.
South African based keeper Richard Ofori was called to man the posts for the Black Stars. Andy Yiadom, Gideon Mensah, Joseph Aidoo and Kassim Nuhu completed Ghana back four. In midfield, Thomas Partey, Alfred Duncan, debutant Iddrisu Baba and Andre Ayew formed a four man partnership whiles Emmanuel Boateng and Jordan Ayew played as the two arrow heads for Ghana.
Molefi Ntseki who made his first competitive appearance as Bafana Bafana boss called a blend of young and experienced eleven to face the 4 times Cup of Nations winners where Ronwen Williams kept the posts, Mkhize, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Furman, Zungu, Mokeke, dangerous Percy Tau, Grobler and Egypt beater Thembinkosi Lorch were given the nod.
The Black Stars of Ghana dominated early proceedings of the game but they had to wait late in the first half to break the game’s deadlock. Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey fired a fine short past Bafana Bafana keeper Ronwen Williams inside 36’ minutes to give Ghana a deserving lead.
Both teams had failed to score a goal early in the second half, which means the game was heading toward a slim 1-0 victory for the Stars, but sub Mohammed Kudus rose to double Ghana’s lead on the 80’ minute.
This victory has given Ghana their first win since July this year when they last beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in Egypt AFCON, and have recorded back-to-back victory against Bafana Bafana in CAF competitions as Ghana defeated South Africa in the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea.
Ghana next game is against Sao Tome and Principe on Monday 18th Nov. at Sao Tome. Sudan lead group C with 3 points, after beating Sao Tome and Principe 4-0 in Sudan earlier in the other group game. Ghana sit second in the group.
