The Black Stars of Ghana took a giant step towards qualifying for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 in Cameroon after they beat Sudan 2-0 in a group C qualifier on Thursday in Cape Coast.
Two well taken goals in either half from captain Andre Dede Ayew ensured that Ghana makes it three wins out of three in the group and move to 9points thereby cementing their grip on top spot in the group.
Ghana took the lead after 18minutes when Andre Dede Ayew took a beautiful free kick curling it past the Sudanese goalkeeper. The Sudanese later had a penalty appeal waved away by the referee on 25minutes after their danger man Abdul Rahman was seemingly brought down in the area by John Boye. The Sudanese coach later received a yellow card for his vehement protestation that resulted in a clash with the fourth official.
Ghana thought they would go into the break 2-0 up after Dede Ayew headed home from a Samuel Owusu cross but it was ruled out after the referee adjudged him to have fouled a Sudanese defender before the header. Something Dede Ayew denied profusely to the referee at the half time whistle.
Ghana had series of chances to extend their lead in the second half but had to wait till the 80th minute for another moment of brilliance from captain Dede Ayew to curl home a delightful second on his 91st cap for the national team. This brings him level with John Paintsil but Dede Ayew will surpass him in his next Ghana outing in Khartoum.
The win takes Ghana within sights of reaching yet another AFCON in Cameroon when the roll call is done for the best teams on the continental stage.
The other group C fixture between South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe will take place on Friday 13th November with the result having no implication on the Black Stars lead at the top of the group.
Ghana will meanwhile travel to Sudan on Tuesday, 17th November for the return encounter.
