The Black Stars’ victory over Central African Republic (CAR) Thursday, September 7, 2023 saw them through the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in La Côte d’Ivoire.
The Central African Republic needed a win to make it through whilst Ghana needed a win or draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi Thursday.
The tournament, even though would be played next year, its official name is AFCON 2023 due to its postponement as a result of the adverse summer weather concerns in Ivory Coast.
Ghana dominated the game from the early part of the first half but failed to create clear-cut chances but was punished by Louis Mafouta on the 25th minute when goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi came off his line but failed to get a cross which had eluded the defensive setup of the Black Stars.
A foul on Osman Bukari at the eve of the first half in the defensive half of the Central African Republic was converted by Mohammed Kudus before the game went on a break.
Ghana once again dominated the first half but failed to create chances.
Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, and Gideon Mensah were introduced as the game progressed in Ghana’s bid to secure a win, which eventually paid off.
Semenyo and Nuamah combined after the former pounced on a defensive error to set up the Lyon man to slot home the winner in the 87th minute.
Ghana now topped the group with 12 points while Angola came second with 9 points for a scoreless draw with Madagascar in Luanda.
The top two teams in the group qualify for the 2023 AFCON, which will be played in Côte d’Ivoire in January 2024.
