The Black Stars of Ghana fought hard yesterday to overcome the Central Africa Republic in a hard won 2-1 to book their 10thsuccessive appearance at Africa Cup of Nationsslated for next year.
The victory by the Black Stars shot them straight to top of Group E with incredible 12 followed by Angola managed 9 points with Central Africa Republic placing third with 7 points.
Central Africa Republic who appeared more composed in the first opening of the game, took the lead on the 25th minute through a well composed effort by Louis Mafouta who rounded up the two central defenders with a speed.
Goal keeper Ati Zigi who stepped up as a sleeper to clear the lines missed his kick and rather made the situation quite easier for Mafouta to open the scores for the visitors.
The Stars remained well composed with a high sense of urgency which has eluded the team in recent times to fight back but the visitors kept threatening with incredible long passes from the middle.
Star player Mohammed Kudus converted an extra ordinary free kick at the edge of the box which zoomed straight into the net after a disappointing effort from goalkeeper Geoffrey Lembet on the 43rd minute.
The West Ham midfielder’s incredibly converted kick did not just restore parity for the Stars but also bolstered their confidence going into the dressing room.
Substitute Antoine Semnyo who came on for Inaki Williams gave good account to himself with an impressive solo effort to announce his presence few moments after his introduction.
The bulky attacker fought hard to win a ball from a defender close to the edge of the 18yardbox with an incredible show of strength and power and sent a glittered pass to Ernest Nuamah deep inside the box for an easy tap in.
Numah who came on as a substitute, set the stadium agog with his excellent tap in on the 87th minute which sealed victory for the Stars and confined the CAR side to a third place on the table despite their spirited fight.
Chris Hughton’s changes were much effective as it brought about the necessary firework that the team needed to excel with incredible performance.
