The Black Stars of Ghana secured and all-important 1-0 win over the Palancas Negras in the 2023 AFCON qualifier at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi yesterday.
Substitute Antoine Semenyo got the only goal in the game in injury time to ensure a hard-won victory for the Stars.
The Bournemouth attacker benefited from a loose ball deep inside the opponent’s box, following a rebound and slotted home for the all important goal.
The win, which marked Chris Houghton’s first test in charge as head coach of the Back Stars, appeared to have bolstered the morale of the team, ahead of their return game in Angola
The Stars carried the fight to their opponents and made some deadly incursions in search of the opener, but their efforts went unrewarded.
Star player Kudus had two chances to register at least a goal for Ghana, but none was successful.
The situation forced the visitors to provide a quick response but Ati Zigi rose to the challenge to deny Gelson Dela an opportunity to stun the home side.
The Stars did not vary their style of play from what they displayed at the world in Qatar last year, as the team lacked ideas on how to open up their opponents.
That notwithstanding, the Stars appeared reinvigorated getting to the later part of the game and put the Palancas Negras under intense pressure which fetched the solitary goal.
