Chris Hughton’s facet laboured for big spells however finally received the job accomplished after being pissed off by Madagascar for a lot of the sport.
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Richard Ofori surprisingly returned to the beginning line-up, having been picked forward of Lawrence Ati Zigi, who had been Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper because the 2022 World Cup.
The again 4 was made up of Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Daniel Amartey and Nicholas Opoku, whereas Baba Iddrisu and Abdul Salis Samed manned the midfield.
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Jordan Ayew began on the left flank, with Inaki Williams shifted to the correct, whereas Mohammed Kudus offered help for Antoine Semenyo up prime.
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Madagascar shocked the Black Stars with their fast begin to the sport and made an early impression inside the opening two minutes when Rakotoharimala’s shot deflected out for a nook.
Ghana, nonetheless, responded with an assault of their very own, Ayew reducing inside earlier than firing a feeble shot into the arms of goalkeeper Adrien.
The guests loved the bigger share of possession within the first half and created some good probabilities too, though they weren’t capable of convert.
Rakotoharimala had a uncommon likelihood when he was via on objective however was compelled off steadiness by Amartey as his ensuing shot went huge.
Randriatsiferana additionally dribbled his approach in house earlier than capturing on objective, however Ofori reacted by saving the ball.
Ghana’s first actual likelihood fell to Nicholas Opoku – a free header that he steered approach off beam. Kudus was subsequent to arrange Semenyo however the Bournemouth striker noticed his shot blocked.
Madagascar have been unfortunate to not open the rating earlier than halftime, with Rakotoharimala’s objective dominated out for offside.
Hughton made numerous adjustments for the second half, with Iddrisu and Seidu making approach for Majeed Ashimeeru and Denis Odoi.
Four minutes after the restart, Kudus went shut with a long-range shot earlier than Williams additionally fired huge from shut vary.
The Black Stars started to get a foothold on the sport, dominating possession and at last being extra purposeful upfront.
Substitute Ernest Nuamah additionally injected some tempo into the correct flank and arrange Williams with a pin-point cross, however the Athletic Bilbao striker’s tried bicycle kick didn’t come off.
Rakotoharimala practically put Madagascar forward in opposition to the run of play when he was left unmarked within the field, however his header struck the submit.
Nuamah and Kudus mixed for an incredible likelihood, however the latter’s scorching was saved earlier than agonizingly flying out of play.
With the sport destined for a draw, Williams stole the headlines with a last-minute header that gave the Black Stars all three factors.
