Ghana defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 in a Group G FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Cape Coast stadium.
Kudus Mohammed, Thomas Partey and Andrew Ayew handed new Coach Milovan Rajevac a winning start.
Ghana now sits second in the group with a point behind leaders South Africa,7. Zimbabwe occupy the bottom with 1 point while Ethiopia are third with 3 points.
Kudus fired Black Stars into the lead with a well worked goal on the 5th minute.
Brilliant build up from the left where Baba Rahman found Kudus who plays give and go at the edge of the box with Jordan Ayew before powering in a low drilled shot with his weaker foot.
Ghana after scoring early took their foot off the gas with Zimbabwe enjoying more of possession.
The home side nonetheless could have extended their lead inside 18 minutes but Kudus’ effort went straight to the goalkeeper.
Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Kudus stepped up and begin to run the show for Ghana.
Kudus ballooned a rebound shot after kamaldeen’s cleared cross landed in front of the Ajax man.
Issahaku down the right was a cut in the throat for the Zimbabwean defense. He was simply unstoppable when running at goal.
Inside the 41st minute, Kamaldeen finished off a sublime combination with Kudus but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Ghana ended the opening half with leading 1-0.
Zimbabwe pulled back parity from the spot right after the break.
Alexander Djiku unnecessarily brought down Knox Mutizwa which the referee had a clear view on the incident and thus pointed to the spot.
Knowledge Musona made no mistake by sending Wollacott the wrong way.
Zimbabwe almost went in front through Jordan Zemura but his curled shot went straight into the upright.
Coach Milovan Rajevac made two quick subs, Jordan Ayew and Issahaku made way for Idrissu Baba and Benjamin Tetteh.
On the 63rd minute, Ghana had an opportunity to reclaim the lead after Rahman put Tetteh through but the Turkish based striker placed the ball wide.
Shortly after Zimbabwe caught Ghana’s defense off guard but goalie Wollacott pulled a wonderful save.
Partey restored the lead on the 66th minute with a composed finish after intercepting the ball at the edge of the opposing box, goes on to leave a defender helpless on the pitch before shooting to the near post.
Black Stars skipper, Ayew wrapped up the win with 3 minutes left on the clock, connecting Baba Rahman’s delight cross with sweet header.
Zimbabwe will host Ghana for the return leg in Harare on October 12.
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