Ghana’s Black Stars cruised to a routine win over the Mambas of Mozambique to take a step closer to qualifying for the 2017 Afcon in Gabon.
In form Anderlecht winger Frank Acheampong opened the scoring in the 4th minute after latching onto a through pass from Majeed Waris.
Complacency and a lack of urgency allowed the Mambas of Mozambique to grow into the match in the last 30 minutes of the first half.
Ghana threatened again in the 31st minute after winger Christian Atsu made a burst into the penalty box of Mozambique only to see his cut back cleared before he could locate a team mate.
Razak Brimah fluffed what looked like a harmless back pass and nearly allowed the away side to level the game on the brink of half time.
Frank Acheampong did not return for the second half and was replaced by Jeffrey Schlupp after he picked up a knock.
Ghana started the second half on a stronger note and were rewarded with a goal courtesy defender John Boye after Missicafailed to clear his lines from a cross delivered into the box.
The Stars made sure of all 3 points 2 minutes later when Jordan Ayew beat his markers to a lobbed pass from Atsu,to chip the onrushing Soares in post for the Mambas.
Sloppy defending on the right hand side of Ghana’s defense allowed skipper of Mozambique Pelembe to delver a pin point cross which was connected by Manjante.
The win ensures that Ghana will require only a point in the return leg in Maputo on Sunday to seal qualification after wining all 3 matches played to sit top of Group H.
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By:Benjamin Nketsia/citifmonline.com/Ghana