AFCON 2023Q : Ghana beat Central African Republic to secure AFCON 2023 qualifications to Ivory Coast

Ghana Black Stars has secured qualification for next year’s AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast after a hard-fought home victory over the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Chris Hughton named a strong starting eleven, which saw, Djiku, Inaki, Kudus, Osman, Salis Samed, and Jordan Ayew captain the side in place of his senior brother and captain, Dede Ayew, who was dropped to the bench against the CAR. 

READ MORE: AFCON 2023Q: Jordan, Kudus, and Djiku start as Dede dropped to the bench against C.A.R

The away side kick-started the game on the front foot, creating chance after chance, Louis Mafouta called Ati-Zigi into action in the 17th minute but the latter pulled off a fantastic save for a corner.

In the 25th minute of the game, Amos Yoga and Venuste Baboula combined effortlessly to set Louis Mafouta up who selflessly rounded the rushing, Lawrence Ati Zigi in post to calmly slot home the first goal of the game for visitors. 

READ MORE: Fatawu Issahaku replaces injured Joseph Paintsil in Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifier

The goal from Mafouta awoke the sleeping giants of Africa as Osman Bukari, Jordan Ayew, and Inaki Williams began to create chances out of nothing but their threats were equaled and dealt with by CAR goalkeeper, Geoffrey Lembet. 

Osman Bukari a constant threat for the opposition side basked a free kick for the host right on the edge of the penalty box which was expertly converted by poster boy, Mohammed Kudus in the 43rd minute to tie the game, 1-1 on the half time whistle.  

The game sprung up to life in the second half with so much intensity by both sides who were searching for the cushioning goal but primarily none could find one past the other.

READ MORE : Central African Republic coach issues warning to Ghana ahead of crucial AFCON qualifier

Osman Bukari and Inaki Williams were subbed off for Ernest Nuamah and Antoine Semenyo for the final twenty minutes of the game and it was least surprising the substitutes combined to give the home side the second and winning goal to bask qualifications for Ivory Coast,2023

Ghana led group E with 12 points followed by Angola with 9, and Central Africa Republic and Madagascar basked with 7 and 3 respectively.