adminACCRA. – Felix Afena-Gyan scored his first international goal as Ghana secured a comfortable 3-0 home win over Madagascar in their opening qualifier for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old Roma forward set up the opener for Mohamed Kudus early in the second half and Afena-Gyan – winning just his third cap – swiftly doubled the Black Stars’ lead.
Osman Bukari netted late on to secure three points for Ghana in the Group E match in Cape Coast.
Elsewhere in Group E, Angola came from behind to beat Central African Republic 2-1 while new Libya boss Corentin Martins made a 1-0 winning start against Botswana in Group J.
Ghana welcomed back captain Andre Ayew from suspension, while teenage forwards Afena-Gyan and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku were both handed starts.
The West Africans spurned a number of chances in the first half but broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart when Afena-Gyan cut the ball back from the byline on the right for an unmarked Kudus to convert.
Afena Gyan then got on the score sheet three minutes later, prodding home from close range after a short corner. – BBC Sport
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter