The Walia Antelopes got off their African Cup of Nations qualifier campaign to losing start following a 5-0 thrashing away in Kumasi by a well-oiled Ghanaian side. The Balck Stars dominated the proceedings and missed out on countless goal scoring opportunities.
It only took Ghana 9 minutes to open the floodgates as center back Mujib Kassim turned in Asamoah Gyan’s fleck. Six minutes later defender John Boye doubled the advantage through a superb finish inside the area leaving four Ethiopian defenders stranded. The onslaught persisted for much of the first interval as the homers enjoyed a greater ball possession and scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian national team seemingly performed poorly throughout the duel. Goalie Abel Mamo saved from Andre Ayew before he conceded a third goal four minutes before the half time. Ebenezer Ofori lost Gatoch Panom before firing past Abel to score a marvelous long range golazo.
The second half saw coach Ashenafi Bekele brining Salahdin Said to partner Getaneh Kebede, however it was the Black Stars who hit back again. Raphael Dwamena, who happened to be making his devut for the senior side, struck the fourth with a rebound three minutes following the resumption. Dwamena completed his barce in the 59th minute capitalizing on Abel’s loose ball. Shemeles Bekele and Oumed Okuri tested Ghanaian custodian Richard Ofori Antwi later on the game but failed to beat the strong goal keeper.
It was a perfect homecoming for coach Kwesi Appiah as he successfully guided Ghana to a profoundly deserved victory over Ethiopia. Coach Ashenafi’s first competitive game ended in an embarrassing loss to Ghana. Ghana sits at the summit of Group F whilst Sierra Leone is second with the same point tally inferior goal difference. East African neighbors Kenya and Ethiopia are bottom of the group after testing defeats.
