Antoine Semenyo calmly finished from close range to give Ghana a dramatic late winner in their 1-0 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Angola on Thursday. The Black Stars struggled to break down a stubborn Angolan defense but deep into second half stoppage time a free kick service into the penalty area led to a furious scramble before the Bournemouth forward struck home from eight yards out to give Ghana maximum points. Ghana now leads Group E with seven points while Angola remain even with Central African Republic on four points.
The Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi was at full volume for the occasion but for long stretches the supporters were left frustrated by poor finishing and a stubborn Angolan defense. Angola goalkeeper Neblú was called into action on a couple of occasions in the first half but the Ghanaian attack failed to put the majority of their efforts on target. The visitors came closest to scoring in first half stoppage time when Fredy’s long range shot went just wide of Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi’s goal.
Ghana’s intensity increased after halftime with Kamaldeen Sulemana’s shot from the left side of the penalty area requiring action from Neblú to tip the ball over. Just when it appeared that Angola would hold on for a valuable point away from home, however, a late foul was awarded to the Black Stars outside the penalty area on the right wing. The resulting free kick from Mohammed Kudus was whipped in with pace and Neblú spilled the ball, leading to a chaotic rush that saw the ball fall to an open Semenyo who coolly smashed his shot into the roof of the net to send the supporters into jubilation.
Highlights are below.
