[ 2012-09-09 ]

Ghana Hit Two Goals To Stop Malawi's Flames
Ghana got off to a flying start in their 2013
Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign as they
cruised to a 2-0 victory at home against 10-man
Malawi on Saturday.

A goal each inside the first 10 minutes of either
half put the game out of reach for the home side,
as the Black Stars hold onto a good lead ahead of
the return match.

Goals from Christian Atsu and Anthony Annan in the
interval made it a good result for Ghana at the
Accra Sports Stadium.

Any fears that it could have been a tricky
afternoon for Kwesi Appiah's men in the first leg
of the final round match were evident as the
Flames stayed compact and occasionally broke away
on the counter.

Despite lots of possession, the scoreline proved
to be unfair for the Black Stars.

Atsu who was starting in his first home match for
Ghana, handed the Black Stars a perfect start when
he tapped-in from close range after 8 minutes from
an Andre Ayew shot.

The midfielder instantly settled into the game,
creating many chances but could not find the back
of the net again.

Ghana, stepped up to increase their lead but the
Flames made no mistake giving little chance to end
the half a goal down.

Anthony Annan after the break doubled the scores
for Ghana when he let go a shot from 20 yards out
in the 53rd minute.

Ghana's bench made three changes in the second
half as Jordan Ayew, Andre and captain Asamoah
Gyan made way for Derek Boateng, debutant Solomon
Asante and Emmanuel Clottey.

A late red card for a second bookable offence was
shown to defender James Sangala by Algerian
referee Benouza Mohammed.

It’ll get much tougher along the road to South
Africa, though, victory at home, gives Ghana the
upper hand.

The return leg will be played on the weekend of
October 12-14 and the 15 winners compete in the
finals in South Africa next January along with the
host nation.

Starting Line-up: Adam Kwarasey, Daniel Opare,
Harrison Afful, John Boye, Isaac Vorsah, Anthony
Annan, Christian Atsu, Jordan Ayew/Derek Boateng,
Asamoah Gyan/Emmanuel Clottey, Kwadwo Asamoah,
Andre Ayew/Solomon Asante

Reserves: Samuel Inkoom, Derek Boateng, Jerry
Akaminko, Isaac Coffie, Solomon Asante, Emmanuel
Clottey, Fatau Dauda

Source - Ghana FA

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