Club Brugge defender Denis Odoi played the full 90 minutes for new Ghana head coach Chris Hughton as the Black Stars left it late to beat Angola in AFCON qualification. It took a 96th minute winner from Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo to give Ghana all three points, with the referee blowing full-time almost immediately after. Odoi, lining up at right-back, put in a solid display to keep Angola winger Ary Papel quiet.
Joseph Paintstil, who had missed out on the Qatar World Cup despite a strong season for Genk, made his Black Stars return in this game. He was brought on by Hughton in the 69th minute to replace Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew. Unfortunately, the Genk man struggled to have an impact on the game as Ghana were frustrated by a solid Angolan defence. However, he was the player who won the foul that lead to the late winning goal.
Once again Lawrence Ati-Zigi was preferred to Eupen’s Abdul Manag Narudeen in goal, while there was also no game time for Anderlecht midfielder Majeed Ashimeru.
The Black Stars now top the group, three points ahead of Angola in second and the same amount ahead of the Central African Republic, who got a shock win against Madagascar. On Monday Ghana will travel to Luanda to face Angola away from home.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
