Jordan Ayew’s solitary strike in the second half ensured the Black Stars of Ghana clinched all three points in Sao Tome and Principe as they go top of Group C in the Nations Cup qualifier.
The Crystal Palace attacker stepped up to convert from the spot after China-based striker Emmanuel Boateng has been impeded by the Sao Tome goalie.
Kwasi Appiah’s boys came close to netting the opener with two quick chances in the opening stanza of the game, after the Sao Tome goalkeeper’s misplaced shot fell to Jordan Ayew, who laid the ball to Samuel Owusu but he didn’t do enough to slot the ball into the net.
The Black Stars dominated the half with Real Mallorca midfielder Iddrissu Baba brilliantly controlling the midfield.
Having controlled the first stanza, Ghana established their intent in the early seconds of the second half, as Thomas Partey headed wide from a Gideon Mensah cross.
Three minutes later a long range effort saw the Sao Tome goalkeeper struggling to grab the ball, which was quickly picked up by Emmanuel Boateng before he was eventually fouled by the goalie to earn the Black Stars a penalty.
Jordan Ayew perfectly converted it, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Emmanuel Boateng was replaced by FC Norjaelland youngster Kudus Mohammed before coach Kwesi Appiah handed Christopher Antwi-Adjei his debut after coming on to replace Samuel Owusu.
The win sends Ghana top of Group C with six points and will next play Sudan in August of 2020.
