Second half substitute Antoine Semenyo scored a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory for the Black Stars of Ghana over Angola in the AFCON qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday.
High spirited Ghanaian side started the game with dominance but the Palancas Negras proved they were no easy push overs as they defended their half very well until substitute Antoine Semenyo came to the team’s rescue with a stoppage-time strike.
The AFC Bournemouth striker chanced on a loose ball in the penalty box in the 96-minute and buried it home to win the day for Ghana few seconds after coming on for the Black Stars.
Thomas Partey and Edmund Addo played in the heart of midfield while Mohammed Kudus sat behind Inaki Williams in a 4-3-2-1 formation by Coach Chris Hughton.
The first break ended 0-0.
Chris Hughton made three changes at a spot, bringing on Abdul Samed Salis, Antoine Semenyo and Joseph Paintsil for Edmund Addo, Inaki Williams and Ayew.
Just under a minute, Semenyo nearly broke the deadlock but his strike was blocked by Gasper.
Semenyo came close again with ten minutes remaining after he was sent through by Thomas Partey.
Alexander Djiku was replaced by Joseph Aidoo in the dying minutes after picking a knock.
Late injury time, Kudus won a freekick and took the responsibility before swinging in a beautiful cross, which first fell for Partey, but his strike was parried out before Semenyo smashed home the winner.
The victory is Ghana’s second in 3 games and the four-time AFCON champions sit at the summit of the table with 7 points.
The Black Stars will travel to Luanda for the reverse fixture on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, Angola.
