AFCON 2023 Qs. – Antoine Semenyo’s late strike seals Ghana vital win over Angola

The Black Stars of Ghana were back in action for the first time after last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Antoine Semenyo’s late goal was enough for Ghana, as it gave Chris Hughton’s men a 1-0 win over Angola in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

It was Chris Hughton’s first game as the head coach of the Black Stars since his appointment to replace Otto Addo.

With both sides lacking quality in the first half, Ghana came out of the blocks faster in the second half but it took them so long to win the game.

Close chances from Kamaldeen nearly pipped three points for Ghana before the 80th minute but the goalkeeper for the visitors was solid to keep his team in the game.

However, Ghana did little of the spectacular to eventually win the game, but they unquestionably piled on the pressure.

Towards the end of the game, Angola began to slightly drift out of the contest, as Ghana began to look like the team likely to break the deadlock.

The man to score the winning goal was Antoine Semenyo. The Bournemouth attacker was brought on during the 70th minute as replacement for Jordan Ayew.

Chris Hughton opted to go without the skipper of the team, Andre Ayew. He started Lawrence Ati Zigi in posts – Daniel Amartey, Alexander Dziku, Gideon Mensah and Dennis Odoi in defence.

Thomas Partey, Kudus Mohammed and Edmund Addo teamed up in midfield, with Inaki Williams leading attack alongside Kamaldeen Suleimana and Jordan Ayew.

The win leaves Ghana on top of the table in Group E with 7 points, three points ahead of Angola and Central Africa Republic. Madagascar remain last with 1 point after three games.

Angola will host Ghana on Tuesday in Luanda for the reverse fixture.