Match Report: Ghana 1-0 Angola, more about the game
Ghana beat Angola 1-0 to emerge toppers of Group E of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers that took place Thursday afternoon at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
It was a well balanced affair in the early minutes of the game with few chances created. Ghana wanted to play through the midfield but the visitors packed their midfield to block Black Stars passage.
Despite this, both teams managed to threaten with Gelson skipping past Gideon Mensah at the left side of defense but his delivery into the box was defended.
Ghana gradually warmed into the game started to clearly open Angola’s defense and resulted in striking the posts while there was a penalty claim on Jordan Ayew but the incident that saw the Crystal Palace forward brought down inside the box was overlooked.
Angola were smooth on the ball but Ghana were consistently seeing the ball. Kudus Mohammed launched a sensational attack exchanging one with Jordan Ayew as the Ajax man drove forward and struck a carpet short but it was an effort that wouldn’t trouble Angola shot-stopper Neblu.
Angola broke on attack from the right flank with Gelson running through from center of the pitch before he was fouled at the edge of the box. The resultant free kick was defended by Daniel Amartey.
Ghana’s dominance took unexpected outcome of protracted lack of short on target. Angola earned a penalty after Amartey fouled Ary Papel but it was over ruled. Angola captain Fredy sent in a long range short and beat the target narrowly.
Ghana increased their momentum in first half stoppage time as Inaki Willaims and Jordan Ayew linked up but Williams’ short went off target.
The second half continued with Angola threatening the Ghana area a couple of times. The visitors broke in 2 against 3 scenario as Papel’s cross inside the box was cleared.
Kamaldeen Sulemana nearly broke the deadlock but the Southampton attacker’s jerk effort after running from behind the box into the six yard was parried over for a corner.
There was something missing from Ghana’s play. The Black could progress from the back through the middle but the final third decisions weren’t accurate.
Angola were slightly better of this problem as they were able to make appropriate decisions but the final pass was Palancas Negras’s lacking issue. Ghana regrouped in attempt for the opener with Jordan Ayew and Kudus Mohammed central of Black Stars’ attacks at this point.
Angola boss Pedro Concalves made three substitutions with Papel, Gelson and Nzola making way for Estrela, Luka Joao, Geraldo. Bruno Paz also came in for Show.
Antoine Semenyo came in for Inaki Willaims at the receiving end.
Kudus’ short inside the six box was blocked. If the effort was allowed into the post, it would have been the deadlock breaker. Minutes later, a Ghana effort struck the crossbar after Kudus has found Kamaldeen Sulemana at the left side who hit the woodwork.
The Black Stars took total control of the game pushing Angola to their own half. Partey played Semenyo through on goal but the forward’s touch beat Neblu and the posts at the same time.
Ghana finally got the breakthrough after Antoine Semenyo scored from a rebound. Kudus sent in a free kick from the right edge but Angola failed to clear the lines with the ball falling to Semenyo who scored with a half volley.
The victory gives Ghana 7 points at the top of the submit while Angola sit second place with 4 points.
