Ghana celebrate a goal (Twitter)
Angola, Ghana and Libya win their respective matches on the opening day of the African Cup of Nations group qualifiers
- Reuters Cape Town
- Last Update:June 02, 2022, 07:56 AM IST
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Angola, Ghana and Libya all won on Wednesday as home leads proved decisive on the opening day of next year’s African Cup of Nations group qualifiers.
World Cup-headed Ghana turned out to be a powerful side, but had to wait until the second half to break through a stubborn Madagascar and take a 3–0 win in their Group E game at Cape Coast.
Mohamed Kudas broke the deadlock after 54 minutes with 19-year-old AS Roma striker Felix Afena-Gyan, caught two minutes later with a comfortable touch from a set piece.
Substitute Usman Bukhari took a break and scored the goalkeeper for the third five minutes from time.
Ghana will play against the Central African Republic in neutral Angola next week before heading to Japan for two more test friendships as they look to tournaments in Qatar in November and December.
Angola came from behind as former Leeds United striker Helder Costa’s style of action inspired their 2–1 win over Central African Republic in Luanda.
Simon Neland gave the visitors the lead in the first half when Angola’s defense stopped play as he felt the ball was out of play in the build-up to the goal.
But they came back for the win in the last 18 minutes with goals from Mbala Nzola and Gelson Dala.
Libya beat Botswana 1–0 in Benghazi with Saleh Al Taher making a comeback at home after Sand Masood blocked a penalty kick by goalkeeper Goitson Foko in his 54th minute.
The first two rounds of qualifying matches continue until 13 June. The 2023 Cup of Nations Final is being hosted by Ivory Coast next June.
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