The Black Stars of Ghana played out a classic match and decisively beat Egypt 6-1 in their FIFA World Cup play-off encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi yesterday.
Three goals in each half ensured that the Black Stars World Cup quest to ensure a third successive World Cup appearance remained firmly on course ahead of the return leg on November 19 in Cairo.
It was the Captain of the side, Asamoah Gyan, who set the tone for a brilliant day when he scored Ghana’s first goal as early as the 5th minute to send the fully packed stadium alight with thunderous shouts of goal.
Midfielder Michael Essien, in one of his bursts to the goal area of the Egyptians, resulted in Ghana’s second, through an own goal by Wael Goma.
Egypt had the deficit reduced when they won a penalty after Mohammed Salah was adjudged fouled by Rashid Sumaila, which was expertly converted from the spot by Aboutreika.
Ghana had the third goal just before half-time when Waris headed in from a freekick.
Right from the break, the Black Stars continued their dominance and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Asamoah Gyan got his second after heading home a Muntari bicycle kick that floated into the penalty area to give Ghana their fourth goal.
The fifth goal came through a penalty awarded Ghana by the referee after Waris was fouled by substitute goalkeeper Ekramy, and Muntari did so brilliantly, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Coach Kwasi Appiah made three substitutions, sending on Mubarak Wakasu, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Christian Atsu for Captain Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari and Dede Ayew.
It was no surprise then when Atsu struck a 25 yarder that cannoned of the post and zoomed into the net for Ghana’s sixth goal.
Tried as Egypt did to at least mitigate the score line, the defense of the Black Stars stood out till the referee blew his whistle to end proceedings to send the numerous home fans into jubilant celebrations.
Ghana line-up: Fatau Dauda, Samuel Inkoom, Daniel Opare, Jerry Akaminko, Rashid Sumaila, Michael Essien, Andre Ayew/Christian Atsu, Sulley Muntari/Agyemang Badu, Abdul Majeed Waris, Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah/Mubarak Wakaso.
Source: MOYS PR DEPT (Larry George Botchway)