By Dom Agbakpe,
Ghana were beaten 1-0 by Kenya in the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Qualification match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Karasani in Nairobi on Saturday afternoon.
The Kenyans began the game like a horse on fire in the opening minutes of the game and put Ghana under some early pressure.
The homers almost went infront in the 5th minute but keeper Richard Ofori stood firm to save Ovella Ochieng’s close range effort.
Ghana burst to life and had a chance to go ahead through Majeed Warris but his shot flew past the post after he was played on by midfielder Afriyie Acquah in the 14 minute.
On 20 minute, Khamis received the first booking of the afternoon following a challenge on Andy Yiadom.
Moments later, captain Mosah Mohammed tries a 25 yard strike but it was calmly collected by keeper Richard Ofori.
Kenyans opened the scoring five minutes before the break when defender Nicholas Opoku diverted Musah Mohammed cross into his own net following pressure from Michael Olunga.
After recess, Afriyie Acquah missed a golden chance from 4 yards out as he sends his head straight back into play when it was easier to direct it into the empty net.
Joash Onyango was sent off by referee Janny Sikazwe on the hour mark for a foul on Majeed Warris on the edge of his own box.
Ghana continued to piled pressure on the Kenyans in search of an equalizer but they stood resolute as they held on to their 1-0 advantage.
Ghana will play against Sierra Leone on October 10, 2018 in Kumasi in the next round of qualifiers.
Ethiopia will host Sierra Leone in the other Group F fixture in Addis-Abba on Sunday afternoon at 1:00PM.
Ghana still on top of Group F with 3 points despite the defeat, Kenya and Sierra Leone sit second and third with 3 points respectively Ethiopia have no point after two games.
Teams:
Ghana:
Richard Ofori – Andy Yiadom, Nicholas Opoku, Daniel Amartey, Daniel Opare – Afriyie Acquah, Ebenezer Ofori, Christian Atsu, Edwin Gyasi – Thomas Partey, Majeed Waris.
Kenya:
Patrick Matasi – Philemon Otieno, David Ochieng, Musa Mohammed, Abud Omar, Dennis Odhiambo, Ismael Gonzalez, Ovella Ochieng, Erick Ouma, Erick Kubasu, Michael Olunga.
