Trabzonspor forward Caleb Ansah Ekuban’s late debut strike was all that Ghana needed to sealed a 1-0 victory against Kenya in the 2019 final AFCON qualification game at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
In the 83rd minute, the Trabzonspor forward allowed a pass from midfield to go in front of him and he followed through with a powerful left footed strike that slipped under Kenyan goalie Patrick Matasi.
The encounter which saw Accra Sports Stadium almost filled out to capacity was to determine who enters the prestigious tournament in Egypt as leaders of the group F table.
The four- times African champions started the the game on a higher note, pressing and knocking at the defence of the Harambee Stars to get the opener but all efforts went fruitless as the Kenyans defended gallantly.
Jordan Ayew, Christian Atsu and Mubarak Wakaso had great opportunities to get the opener but failed to utilise the chances. The first forty-five minutes ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
Ghana returned from the first half with much zeal in search of the opener but the Harambee Stars continued to maintain their composure and defended brilliantly until they got settled in the game.
Substitute Ekuban eventually ensured that his 83rd minute strike secured all three points to top Group F.
The 32nd edition of the prestigious tournament on the African continent is scheduled for June this year in Egypt with Ghana determined to lift the trophy for the fifth time after winning the fourth tile in 1982 under the auspices of late head coach C.K Gyamfi.
Ghana XI vs Kenya:
Richard Ofori
Daniel Opare
Lumor Agbenyenu
Kassim Nuhu Adams
John Boye
Mubarak Wakaso
Thomas Partey
Christian Atsu
Emmanuel Boateng/ Caleb Ekuban
Andre Ayew/ Alfred Duncan
Jordan Ayew/ Ernest Asante
Linus Siaw Nartey
