Ghana’s Black Galaxies have taken the first-leg advantage from their 2023 Championship of African Nations qualifiers after victory over Benin in Cape Coast.
Goals from Hearts of Oak trio Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Mohammed Alhassan and Gladson Awako ensured the Black Galaxies travel to Cotonou in a fortnight knowing a draw or defeat with a minimum of two-goal sees them through to the next stage.
Ghana got off to a great start as Afriyie Barnieh pulled off a great save from Benin’s goalkeeper Obasa after driving from 25 yards.
A few minutes later, winger Evans Osei Wusu’s cross into the box hit the hand of a Benin defender, with the referee rightly calling for a penalty. Afriyie Barnieh elected himself for a spot kick, and he perfectly converted, sending the Benin goalkeeper the wrong way.
The Black Galaxies thought they had doubled their lead at the half-hour mark but the referee whistled Jonah Attuquaye’s goal for an offside. Ghana went into the interval with a slim lead but returned from the break more energized and determined.
Four minutes into the second half, Hearts of Oak defender smashed home for the second after Imoro Ibrahim’s corner took a slight deflection in the box. The Black Galaxies with the two-goal advantage continued to dominate, but Benin had their chances with danger-man Amuzu coming close.
However, with ten minutes left, second-half substitute Umar Bashiru, who replaced Seidu Suraj, weaved in a perfect pass to captain Gladson Awako, who magnificently curled home for the third. Daniel Afriyie Barnieh should have made it four with only the goalkeeper to beat but the striker miss kicked the ball.
Ghana will travel to Benin in two weeks for the second leg in Cotonou.
