Ghana dominates Madagascar in 2023 Afcon qualifier

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Jun 01, 2022. 23:32

Ghana swept Madagascar aside in a 3-0 win at the Cape Coasts Sports Stadium on Wednesday night, as the Black Stars began their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign off to a dominating start.

Ghana began the game on the front foot, attacking the Madagascar defence on a couple of occasions within the first three minutes of the encounter. Penned back, Ghana were awarded a corner and free-kick as a result of their thrusting attacks.

In what was the first big talking point of the game, Jordan Ayew was brought down on the edge of the Madagascar area, as the Black Stars protested for a penalty kick.

Ghana provided the first shot on target in the 15th minute, as Abdul Fatawu’s strike from the right flank grazed the Madagascar side netting. Soon thereafter, Ghana were awarded two corners in succession but was unable to make the most of their chances.

With the half-hour mark approaching, the hosts continued to turn the screws and added to their corner statistics. In a rare moment of attack from the visitors, Rojo Andriamanjato came close in the 38th minute with a shot that went narrowly wide of the Ghana goalkeeper’s left.

Madagascar carved out a couple of chances thereafter, as they took the game to Ghana with the half-time whistle approaching. The referee blew the first 45 to a close as Ghana ended the half as the dominant side despite the 0-0 scoreline.

Ghana took the lead in the 53rd minute as Mohammed Kudus fired into an open net, with the home side making way down the left-hand side of the Madagascan defence. The Black Stars doubled their advantage a couple of minutes later courtesy of Felix Afena-Gyan’s effort inside the opponent’s box.

With 20 minutes to go, Ghana were in cruise control as they bossed proceedings in the middle of the park in search of a third goal. In the 86th minute, substitute Osman Bukari extended Ghana’s lead after he rounded Madagascar goalkeeper, Razakanirina Rakotohasimbola, before finishing into an open net.

The game ended 3-0 in favour of Ghana, as the African giants set the tone in Group E.

Ghana: (0) 3

Madagascar: (0) 0

Ghana: Wollacott, Odoi, A.Baba, Amartey, Mensah, I.Baba (Addo 85’), Kudus (Wakaso 87’), A.Ayew (Kyereh 76’), J.Ayew, Fatawu (Bukari 76’), Afena-Gyan

Madagascar: Razakanirina, Gervais, Raveloson, Razafindrabe, Mombris,Andriamanjato (Rakotoharimalala 46’), Bastien, Amada, Lapoussin (Voavy 87’), Donisa (Randrianantenaina 67’), Fanomenzantsoa (Ouassiero 85’)