Black Stars vs Central African Republic match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi was a keenly contested affair that was all for grabs for both teams.
Against the run of play, Central African Republic put their noses in front, but goals from Black Stars golden boys Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah either side of the half ensured that Ghana came from behind to win 2-1 and seal a place in AFCON 2024 event.
⏰ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 ✔️
Yes, we did it! Ghana has successfully qualified for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire! 🇨🇮🎉
• Ghana 🇬🇭 2-1 🇨🇫 Central Africa Republic
⚽️ 43' Kudus Mohammed, 88' Ernest Nuamah/ 25' Loius Mafouta#BlackStars | #GHACAR
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 7, 2023
Mohammed Kudus spares Black Stars blushes at halftime
Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams and Jordan Ayew started for the Black stars in a strong lineup.
Ghana started the match the better side but were clearly in a rush to score the first goal of the encounter.
In a first half that saw both sides create goal scoring chances at both ends, it was the visitors who went ahead through Louis Mafouta in the 25th minute to stun the home fans and the Black Stars who have been the better side.
Chris Hughton's side regrouped and tried to draw level almost immediately, however, the CAR stood their ground to deny Ayew and a few other Black Stars attacks.
Ghana's pressure towards the visitors goal ensured Osman Bukari was fouled close to the edge of the area in the 40th minute and a chance for the Black Stars to restore parity from the free kick.
West Ham's new signing Mohammed Kudus stood over the free kick, hitting a fine strike that ended at the back of the net to draw Ghana level on the 43rd minute and became a first-half hero for the Black Stars.
With that goal, Kudus took his tally in the AFCON qualifying round to 5 goals and 3 assists.
Did you miss the goal?
Kudus dey! 🕺🏿#MTNxBlackStars pic.twitter.com/JPMUScWfwr— MTN Ghana (@MTNGhana) September 7, 2023
Ernest Nuamah seals the win for the Black Stars
The second half was even more keenly contested with spare chances created early on in the last 45 minutes.
However, a flurry of chances in the last eight minutes of the match ensured the win for the Black Stars.
Ernest Nuamah who had started the match from the bench scored for Ghana in the 86th minute seal a needed victory for the Ghanaians.
Although, two other goals were scored in the game from either side but were all cancelled, as the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Chris Hughton's side.
The Black Stars will now be looking to have a good outing in Cote D'Ivoire come January.
Angola is the other team that joined Ghana from Group E in the AFCON showpiece.
Ghana vs Central African Republic confirmed lineups
Ghana
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Jordan Ayew, Alidu Seidu, Elisha Owusu, Osman Bukari, Joseph Aidoo, Baba Abdul Rahman, Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, Salis Abdul Samed, Alexander Djiku
Central African Republic
Geoffrey Lembet (GK), Mac Yerpende, Peter Guinairi, Sadock Ndobe, Floura Yagao, Karl Nammganda, Amos Youga, Brad Piroua, Ghisin Baboula, Louis Mafouta, Godin Koyalipru
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 months ago
