The Black Stars B got off to a winning start in the 2017 WAFU Cup as they narrowly defeated Gambia 1-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A 95th minute penalty coolly converted by Hearts of Oak defender Vincent Atinga was all that the home based Black Stars team needed to beat a well composed Gambian side in the crucial clash.
Maxwell Konadu’s side started the game on a dominant note as Gambia pressed them in their half in a bid to get an early opener.
Ghana opened scoring just five minutes into the game when Kwame Kizito connected a Felix Addo’s cross but the Goal was disallowed by referee due to a push on Gambian defender Brimah Sidibe.
The Black Stars were forced to make an early substitution on the 7th minute as injured Musah Nuhu had to be replaced by Vincent.
Kwame Kizito should have put Ghana in the lead in the 40th minute from Amos Frimpong’s perfectly placed cross but his header flew over the cross bar
Coach Maxwell Konadu introduced Hearts of Oak tormentor Patrick Razak in the 56th minute to replace Gideon Waja when the battle became very tough for the Black Stars in their quest to break the virginity of the game with Berekum Chelsea striker Stephen Sarfo coming on for Kwame Kixito.
Ghana kept piling pressure on Gambia until they were awarded a penalty after referee adjudged Thomas Abbey’s shot to have hit the arm of Sanney, which Vincent Atinga perfectly converted to seal victory for the Black Stars.
Captain Isaac Twum was adjudged as Man of the match and was presented a NASCO phone following his exploits throughout the match.
Ghana will play the winner of the game between Mali and Mauritania.
Ghana lineup against Gambia
Joseph Addo
Amos Frimpong
Emmmanuel Ampiah
Musah Nuhu/Vincent Atinga
Samuel Sarfo
Gideon Waja/Patrick Razak
Issac Twum
Kwame Kixito/ Stephen Sarfo
Thomas Abbey
Felix Addo
Daniel Lomotey
