The Black Stars overcame a resolute Central African Republic team in Kumasi after suffering an early defeat to qualify for the 2023 AFCON, which would be contested in Cote d’Ivoire the following year.
The Central African Country took the lead in the 18th minute, but Kudus Mohammed’s spectacular free kick erased that advantage for Ghana, which had little chance of qualifying.
In front of a jam-packed stadium full of home fans, the visitors, who had nothing to lose in the match, scored the opening goal, shocking them.
However, a stronger showing in the second half, led by players who had come off the bench, helped the Black Stars win, securing their 10th consecutive qualifying since 2006.
The first five minutes of play saw the Black Stars maintain possession of the ball, but it was the visitors who had the first scoring opportunity in the seventh minute.
Alidu Seidu stopped Ghislain Baboula’s attempt as he sprinted into the penalty area from the right side of the assault, resulting in the game’s first corner kick.
They made further excursions into the crucial section of the Stars after that attack, but they were unpunished. This gave the impression that their confidence had increased.
When Birad Thomas fired a long shot from just beyond the box in the 18th minute, Ati Zigi pushed it over the bar for another attempt.
The Central African Republic’s staunch defence held off the Black Stars’ two fast assaults after the score in quest of the equaliser.
Jordan Ayew and Osman Bukari exchanged positions, which gave the assault some bite as Ghana battled to breach the Les Fauves’ backline.
Bukari was taken down on the brink of the penalty box during one of these assaults. Mohammed Kudus capitalised on the chance with a stunning free kick that struck the goalpost.
The Black Stars’ terrible performance up until that point had caused the crowd to be quiet, but the goal brought them out in a raucous ovation.
