The senior national team, the Black Stars were 1-0 winners at the Kumasi Sports Stadium against Angola in their first game under new manager, Chris Hughton.

The win makes Hughton the first Black Stars manager out of the last five to win their opening game. 

Ghana was the more dominant of the two sides, forcing the men from Angola to play without the ball for most parts of the game.

The Black Stars created a number of good chances but fell victim to inaccurate shooting and bad decision-making in the final third of the pitch.

New gaffer, Chris Hughton introduced substitutes in the second half in an attempt to win the game, which paid off.

Substitute Joseph Painstil has fouled on the right wing the free kick.

The free kick caused a frenzy in the penalty box after a Salis Samed shot hit the post before it was finally fired in from close range by Antione Semenyo.

The Palancas Negras will host the Black Stars on the 28th of March in the return fixture at the Estádio 11 de Novembro.

Match Report

The Black Stars started the game controlling possession but the first chance of the game fell to the visitors in the third minute when Nelson Dala’s left-footed shot from outside the penalty box was saved by Lawrence Ati Zigi in the centre of the goal.

Ghana’s first chance of the game came in the sixth minute when Mohammed Kudus’ left foot shot from the center of the box flashed just wide.

Ghana largely dominated the half while Angola was happy to sit back and soak the pressure.

The Stars also created more chances; Iñaki Williams had his shot saved in the 18th minute and Kudus’ left-footed strike right after was also saved.

The Angolans tried to threaten on the counter but did not create much to threaten the Ghanaians.

The second half picked up from where the first half ended, with Ghana dictating the play and Angola sitting deep.

Ghana created more goal-scoring chances but bas decision-making and poor shooting resulted in opportunities being missed

Coach Chris Hughton introduced Antione Semenyo, Joseph Paintsil, and Salis Abdul Samed in the 69th minute in an attempt to win the game, which ultimately paid off.

In added time, substitute Joseph Paintsil was fouled on the right wing.

The resulting free-kick caused a frenzy in the penalty box after Salis Abdul Samed’s shot was saved and another shot by Joseph Aidoo hit the post. Antoine Semenyo ensured the victory after finishing from close range in the box after the ball fell to him in the penalty area.

The full-time whistle was blown shortly after

Source: citinewsonline