Ghana Secures Three Points In Opening Match

Ghana Black Stars started their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) win a 1-0 win over the Cranes of Uganda in the first Group D match.

A first-half penalty converted by Andre Ayew was all Ghana needed to secure three points at the Stade de Port-Gentil in Gabon on Tuesday evening.

The Group D match started on a good note with the Cranes surging forward; Uganda's Tony Mawejje took a shot which was gathered by goalkeeper Razak Brimah in the opening five minutes.

However, the Black Stars showed their determination to win the game when Asamoah Gyan tried a header in the 19th minute, but the experienced striker could not hit the target with only keeper Denis Onyango to beat.

Ghana continued with the pressure on the Cranes' defence and Christian Atsu's left-footed attempt sailed over the crossbar in the 22nd minute, failing to hit the target.

Six minutes later, Ayew received a ball unmarked in the box, yet his shot lacked the punch to worry Onyango who collected it with ease.

Thirty minutes into the match, the Black Stars were awarded a penalty when Isaac Isinde lost the ball and pulled down Gyan in the penalty area.

Ayew gave the Black Stars the deserved lead when he converted from the spot, ensuring Ghana went to the tunnel leading 1-0.

In an aim to respond, Milutin Sredojevic's men dominated the proceedings upon their return from the tunnel, with skipper Geofrey Massa unleashing a rocket shot from a set piece in the 68th minute which narrowly went over the crossbar.

Uganda switched off mentally in the 85th minute and nearly paid the price when Atsu too unleashed a powerful shot from close range, but Onyango produced a fine save.

With the loss, the Cranes are now pointless.

Uganda 0

Ghana (1) 1 (A. Ayew 33')

Ghana: Brimah, Gyan (Badu 72'), Partey, Twasam, J. Ayew (Acquah 85'), Wakaso, Rahman (Acheampong 38'), Amartey, Boye, Afful, A. Ayew

Uganda: Onyango, Ochaya, Kizito, Isinde (Serunkuma 70'), Mawejje, Kizoto (Shaban 55'), Massa, Iguma, Wasswa, Miya, Azira (Oloya 46')


Meanwhile, despite the win most Ghanaians were not satisfied with the performance of the Stars, especially in the second half. 

They say Ghana's group is a tough one and the Stars need to up their game if they want to make it past the group stages.

GBC/ Supersports