by Dom Agbakpe

Ghana beat Sudan 2-0 and remained top of Group C in an entertaining contest in the 2021 Afcon Qualifier in a near-empty Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Thursday evening.

The match was originally scheduled for March 23 but had to be postponed to the new date – Nov 14 – due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As expected C.K Akunnor included key players Dede Ayew, Richard Ofori, Jordan Ayew in his starting 11.

Also, Kotoko fullback, Christopher Nettey and midfielder Clifford Aboagye were handed their debut.

Mercurial midfielder and vice captain Thomas Partey missed the game through injury.

Proceedings got off to a blazing start but it was the Black Stars who came close from captain Dede Ayew but his teasing cross find no past the post.

The Swansea City man opened the scoring with a wonderful freekick and put Ghana ahead 1-0 ahead on the 19th minute.

Sudan made a couple of attacks but yielded no results.

On 28th minute, Samuel Owusu had a golden opportunity to increase Ghana’s tally but his effort was stopped by the foot of goalie, Ali Abdullah.

There were penalty shouts from the Sudanese officials after Abdel Rahman was tackled by John Boye but referee Maguette N’diaye waved play on much to their displeasure.

Abuaagla Ahmed and coach Hubert Velud were booked for a foul and dissent respectively late on in the first half.

The Sudanese looked better after recess with their play but with no threat. They nearly squeezed an equaliser but Abdel Rahman header missed the post by inches on 59th minute.

Dede Ayew doubled Ghana’s advantage ten minute from time with a sumptuous strike.

Sudan pushed on for a consolation but couldn’t find as the Senegalese referee blew his whistle to end the game. Both sides will meet again in Khartoum five days later.

Ghana have 9 points now from three games and stay top. South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe will square off with each other tomorrow.