Follow the live-Play-by-Play text commentary in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between Ghana and Madagascar.
The Black Stars host Madagascar at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
Match Preview
Ghana, Madagascar, Angola and Central African Republic make up Group E, who will all feature this week. Angola will host Central African Republic at the Estadio 11 de November on Wednesday evening.
The Black Stars last featured in March, after qualifying for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. Ghana faced Nigeria in a third-round fixture, winning on the away goals rule and subsequently booked their place in the tournament that will be held in Qatar later this year.
Ghana are without a win in 2022, having played six games since January 5, when they began their year with a loss against Algeria. The African giants also lost to Morocco and Comoros, while recording stalemates against Gabon and Nigeria.
Also, Ghana will miss Arsenal star Thomas Partey owing to injury while Alfred Duncan announced his retirement from international football. The Ghana Football Association (GA) also confirmed that Joseph Aidoo has been ruled out for the qualifier.
“Defender Joseph Aidoo has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations Ivory Coast 2023 qualifier between Ghana and Madagascar after picking up an injury during training,” the GFA said in a statement.
Madagascar was set to square off against Afghanistan in March, however, the international friendly was called off due to Covid-19 infections among the players of the Madagascar camp.
In their last five fixtures, Madagascar recorded just one win, which came against Congo in a Fifa World Cup qualifier, while suffering three losses and a draw along the way.
Madagascar will also be without former captain Abel Anicet, who recently retired from international football. As reported by the Madagascar tribune, the 32-year-old announced his retirement from the national team ahead of the
Starting line ups
Ghana
? | Our team for this evening's match ?? ?? #BlackStars | #BringBackTheLove | #AFCON2023Q pic.twitter.com/JctEA8eVXG
— Black Stars ?? (@GhanaBlackstars) June 1, 2022
Arsenal star Thomas Partey and Hoffenheim defender Kasim Nuhu Adams in Cape Coast to support the Black Stars
❤️ | ONE LOVE
- Thomas Partey and Kasim Nuhu here to support the team
?? ?? #BlackStars | #BringBackTheLove | #AFCON2023Q pic.twitter.com/OcwX93i8LJ
— Black Stars ?? (@GhanaBlackstars) June 1, 2022
Madgascar
Game underway
The Malian referee blows his whistle for the start of the game
2’ Afena Gyan goes down to the ground but referee ignores calls for a penalty
Jordan Ayew misses the post by a whisker. Corner kick to the Black Stars
5’ It’s Ghana 0-0 Madagascar
8’ Andre Ayew has been fouled right on the edge of the box. The Ghana skipper wants a penalty but referee says No
14’ Fatawu Issahaku goes with his trademark shoot but misses the post. Goal kick
16’ CHANCE: Fatawu Issahaku sends a through pass to Felix Afena Gyan but his strike has been deflected for a corner kick
18’ Ghana dominating possession at the moment Baba Rahman with an effort which goes across the face of goal
20’ It’s Ghana 0-0 Madagascar
27’ Jordan Ayew wins a free kick for Ghana near the goal area of Madagascar. Goal scoring opportunity for the Black Stars
Jordan Ayew’s free kick deflected by the wall. Corner kick
30’ It’s Ghana 0-0 Madagascar
32’ Jordan Ayew with a shot from 25 yards which has been saved by the Madagascar goalkeeper
33’ Baba Iddrisu with a header which has been saved by the goalkeeper. Ghana still pushing for the opening goal
34’ Jordan Ayew with a chance but his strike has been blocked for a corner kick
37’ Madagascar make their first attempt at goal in the game. Ball goes wide for a goal kick
45’ Referee whistles to bring the first half to an end after one minute of additional time
It’s Ghana 0-0 Madagascar
Second half underway
Ghana still possessing the ball in the opening minutes
49’ Jordan Ayew wins a corner kick for Ghana
54’ Goal ooooo Mohammed Kudus scores for the Black Stars
Ghana 1-0 Madagascar
56’ Felix Afena Gyan scores to increase the lead for the Black Stars
It’s Ghana 2-0 Madagascar
The 19-year-old scores his first goal for the Black Stars
72’ Mohammed Kudus tries to find the corner of the right post but his effort goes wide
75’ Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo comes on for Felix Afena Gyan
Andre Ayew and Fatawu Issahaku substituted
Daniel Kofi Kyereh and Osman Bukari come on
85’ Goal ooooo Osman Bukari scores
Ghana 3-0 Madagascar
90’ Referee brings the game to a close. Ghana open their AFCON 2023 qualifier with an emphatic 3-0 win.