FIVE (5) things picked from Ghana's stodgy 3-1 win over Mozambique

Ghana made it three wins in a row in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Mozambique 3-1 in Accra on Thursday afternoon.

The Black Stars were not at their optimum best but did what mattered on the day with that stroll-in-the-park win.

Goals from in-form Frank Acheampong, John Boye and Jordan Ayew sealed the win at the Accra Sports Stadium before substitute Manjate got the consolation.

GHANASoccernet.com's Nuhu Adams made some observations from that pedestrian performance.

Asamoah Gyan absence still a problem

With just a day to the AFCON qualifying tie between Ghana and Mozambique, Ghana's captain and all-time top scorer got injured at training which ruled him out of the game.

Ghana won 3-1 but Asamoah Gyan's absence was hugely felt.

Majeed Waris and Jordan Ayew started the match as the strikers but both failed to live up to expectation despite Jordan Ayew scoring a beauty on the day.

The search for who to replace Asamoah Gyan is still on.

Mubarak Wakaso and Afriyie Acquah midfield partnership, the way to go...

After Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari pairing at midfield for the Black Stars, Mubarak Wakaso and Afriyie Acquah have proved to be very reliable in Ghana's matches.

The duo partnered during AFCON 2015 and are still the first choice midfielders in the Black Stars afterwards.

The Black Stars have won all three games in the qualifiers which edges them close to an AFCON 2017 spot all with the midfield partnership of Mubarak Wakaso and Afriyie Acquah.

Both midfielders paired when Ghana eliminated Comoros Islands from the World Cup 2018 preliminary qualifier.

Jordan Ayew knows how to silence critics

The young Aston Villa striker is doing his best to prove his critics he is up there in the Ghana set-up.

Jordan Ayew scored the second goal Ghana against Mozambique on Thursday which is his second in two consecutive games.

He also netted the second when Ghana beat Comoros Islands 2-0 at the Babayara stadium in Kumasi few months ago.

The former Olympique Marseille youngster has suffered from criticisms on several occasions but coaches have believe and hope in him.

Christian Atsu shows glimpses of recovery

Despite Christian Atsu's inability to get match action at the club side, he always gets it right at the national team level.

Atsu put up an exciting performance in Ghana's 3-1 win over Mozambique on Thursday in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers.

The Malaga CF winger has always been the key performer for the Black Stars since he was player of the tournament in AFCON 2015.

Atsu provided an assist in Ghana's match against Mozambique.

Razak Brimah looked jittery

First choice goalkeeper Razak Brimah was seen very jittery in the AFCON qualifying match against the Mozambicans at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.

The Spain based goalie has not been convincing in Ghana's goalposts despite recording victories in the end.

The qualifier against Mozambique once again exposed him and could lose his number one spot if he doesn't up his efforts with the return of Adam Larsen Kwarasey to the team.