Head Coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton, has recommended the staff’s second half displaying that earned Ghana a slim 1-0 victory over the Barea of Madagascar within the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier performed on the Baba Yara Stadium, on Friday.
The staff’s efficiency, in reality, raised an eyebrows amongst spectators because the opponents created many of the probabilities within the first half and dominated play for giant durations.
Ghana was made to chase shadows as they misplaced their rhythm fully with the guests dictating the tempo.
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After a barren 45 minutes of action, the Black Stars returned from recess with the hope of getting a objective within the sport.
A fast substitution that noticed Denis Odoi substitute Alidu Seidu; Majeed Ashimeru changing Baba Iddrisu; Osman Bukari for Jordan Ayew and Ernest Nuamah for Antoine Semenyo, gave Ghana a lifeline.
And ultimately, Ghana bounced again with extra urgency although did not convert their probabilities till with simply 25 seconds of the 5 minutes added on time when Inaki Willams nodded residence a cross from Gideon Mensah to grab all three factors.
Coach Hughton, whereas admitting a poor begin for the Black Stars within the sport, at a post-match interview, expressed satisfaction with their second half efficiency.
“That’s football, sometimes it takes a second for something to happen. We showed a bit of nervousness in the first half. This is the first game of the campaign. We were a little bit nervous. The second-half performance was excellent”, he stated.
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Despite the win, many followers had been least enthused in regards to the qualifying marketing campaign and believed the staff won’t make it to the World Cup within the 2026, however Hughton expressed confidence that the staff can construct momentum and carry out effectively of their upcoming video games. “We have not lost any competitive game and we are building the team.”
Coach Hughton indicated that the staff has what it takes to high their group to earn a spot within the event, which will probably be held within the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ghana’s subsequent match is in opposition to Comoros in Moroni, tomorrow and Coach Hughton emphasised the necessity to keep focus and safe one other win to remain on monitor for World Cup qualification.
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The match itself noticed the guests pile stress with Martin Rakotoharimalala and Tery Lapoussin being a thorn within the Stars’ defence and earned two fast corners within the twenty fifth and twenty seventh minutes whereas Richard Ofori saved a drive from Olivier Randriatsiferana within the twenty ninth minute.
Richard Ofori made one other good save for Ghana within the forty first minute to finish the half.
On the 57th minute, Inaki William’s objective was dominated out for offside as Ghana bounced again after the break, with Mohammed Kudus losing a free kick on the fringe of the penalty space within the 67th minute.
Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Adrien Melvin, made two essential saves within the 73rd and seventy fifth minutes as Ghana upped their sport. There was one other great save by Adrien Melvin within the eightieth minute.
Mohammed Kudus misses a great objective scoring alternative within the 84th minute whereas a fast counter assault noticed the guests practically snatch the opener within the 86th minute however Olivier Randriatsiferana’s header hit the submit with Richard Ofori fully crushed.
As many of the followers had been pouring out of the stadium with disappointment on their faces, Inaki Williams shook the stadium with a strong header with simply 25 seconds to go.
Inaki Williams was so excited to have scored for Ghana for the primary time throughout such essential time.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
