Black Stars skipper, Dede Ayew
Ghana captain Andre Ayew has admitted that plucky display against Ethiopia because their opponents were no pushovers but he is delighted the Black Stars secured the much needed points.
The Qatar-based attacker also reserved some praise for the Black Stars fans who turned up at Cape Coast to support the team as they started their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Ghana’s campaign began in Cape Coast with a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia. This was thanks to Mubarak Wakaso’s first-half strike.
The Black Stars, led by Jordan and Andre Ayew in attack, dominated the game right from the start. They also had many attacks on Teklemariam Shanko, Ethiopia’s goalkeeper, and defence.
Ghana’s won the game in the 35th minute when Wakaso’s shot from 20 yards was incorrectly saved by Shanko as it went through his legs.
The second half was full of rare opportunities which sealed Ghana’s opening victory in their Group G game.
The Black Stars went to the top of the table with three points. This is two more than South Africa or Zimbabwe who drew their match earlier on Friday.
Ayew, the Black Stars captain said the most important thing was securing the three points at stake that gave them a good start.
“Three points. Nothing comes easy. Not a full stadium but great atmosphere. We thank all Ghanaians for the support and love … we keep going,” Ayew wrote on Friday night after the game.
The West Africans will try to return to the global tournament when the tournament takes place in the Asian country of Qatar next year.
CK Akonnor’s team will travel to South Africa to play on matchday two in Johannesburg on Monday in their attempt to qualify for the fourth World Cup qualification.
After missing the 2018 event in Russia, Ghana has set their sights on returning to the World Cup.
The Black Stars reached the world showpiece in Germany 2006 where they were first represented. They then went on to win the Round of 16.
They were awarded a qualification ticket for the South African 2010 edition. This campaign saw them reach the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by Uruguay.
They made their third consecutive appearance at the 2014 gathering in Brazil and they were forced to leave the group stage for the first time.
The Black Stars were defeated by Egypt in the 2018 race to Russia 2018.