Ghana have unsurprisingly clinched a spot in the 2012 African Cup Of Nations, but they did it in rather unconvincing fashion as they defeated Swaziland 2-0 on Friday night in the only qualifying match of the day. Swaziland, who do not yet have a point in qualifying, were expected to be thoroughly thrashed by the heavily favored Ghanaians. It didn't exactly turn out that way, as Ghana didn't put the game away until late as they struggled to convert chances.
Asamoah Gyan of Sunderland scored in the 9th minute to give Ghana the lead, but was substituted off in the 45th minute despite an obvious injury or tactical reason for his departure. Young talent Prince Tagoe of Bursaspor, Ghana's leading scorer in the competition, had the miss of his life mid-way through the second half, as he missed an absolute sitter from just three yards out. Though Swaziland was never particularly threatening, the game remained in doubt until Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu of Udinese scored in the 80th minute, giving Ghana a 2-0 win.
Debutant Adam Kwarasey who started ahead of Kingson was virtually on holiday as the Swazis made just a handful of decent chances to threaten Kwarasey
The Black Stars could have won by a wider margin but Kwadwo Asamoah's injury time screamer from 30 yards came off the crossbar.
The result means the Black Stars keep their place at the top of the group with 13 points with only one match remaining in the group.
Second-placed Sudan, who have 10 points, must beat Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday to stay in touch with the Black Stars. .
The Black Stars travel to London for the much anticipated friendly international against Brazil on Monday September 5.
Goals: Asamoah Gyan, E. Agyemang-Badu
Attendance: 25,000
Ghana LineUp: Adam L. Kwarasey, John Pantsil (C), Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Dominic Adiyiah, Derek Boateng, Asamoah Gyan (41' Prince Tagoe), Sulley Muntari(46' Kwadwo Asamoah), Andre Ayew(75' Samuel Inkoom)
Subs not used: Richard Kingson, Lee Addy, Anthony Annan Jordan Ayew
Ghana Coach: Goran Stevanovic
Ghana have unsurprisingly clinched a spot in the 2012 African Cup Of Nations, but they did it in rather unconvincing fashion as they defeated Swaziland 2-0 on Friday night in the only qualifying match of the day. Swaziland, who do not yet have a point in qualifying, were expected to be thoroughly thrashed by the heavily favored Ghanaians. It didn't exactly turn out that way, as Ghana didn't put the game away until late as they struggled to convert chances.
Asamoah Gyan of Sunderland scored in the 9th minute to give Ghana the lead, but was substituted off in the 45th minute despite an obvious injury or tactical reason for his departure. Young talent Prince Tagoe of Bursaspor, Ghana's leading scorer in the competition, had the miss of his life mid-way through the second half, as he missed an absolute sitter from just three yards out. Though Swaziland was never particularly threatening, the game remained in doubt until Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu of Udinese scored in the 80th minute, giving Ghana a 2-0 win.
Debutant Adam Kwarasey who started ahead of Kingson was virtually on holiday as the Swazis made just a handful of decent chances to threaten Kwarasey
The Black Stars could have won by a wider margin but Kwadwo Asamoah's injury time screamer from 30 yards came off the crossbar.
The result means the Black Stars keep their place at the top of the group with 13 points with only one match remaining in the group.
Second-placed Sudan, who have 10 points, must beat Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday to stay in touch with the Black Stars. .
The Black Stars travel to London for the much anticipated friendly international against Brazil on Monday September 5.
Goals: Asamoah Gyan, E. Agyemang-Badu
Attendance: 25,000
Ghana LineUp: Adam L. Kwarasey, John Pantsil (C), Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Dominic Adiyiah, Derek Boateng, Asamoah Gyan (41' Prince Tagoe), Sulley Muntari(46' Kwadwo Asamoah), Andre Ayew(75' Samuel Inkoom)
Subs not used: Richard Kingson, Lee Addy, Anthony Annan Jordan Ayew
Ghana Coach: Goran Stevanovic
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