Angola, Ghana Secure AFCON 2023 Tickets

Ghana and Angola have secured qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Cote d’Ivoire next year. Ghana booked their ticket after a 2-1 win over Central African Republic at the Baba YaraStadium in Kumasi on Thursday..

Angola booked their place in the continental soccer showpiece as Group E runners-up behind Ghana despite being held to a scoreless draw by Madagascar in their final group match on Thursday at Estádio Nacional daTundavala.

The Black Stars looked under threat when the Wild Beasts’ Louis Mafoutaput the visitors ahead midway through the first half, but new West Ham United signing Mohammed Kudus struck direct from a free kick shortly before the interval, and a late tap-in from Ernest Appiah secured a deserved but hard-earned victory.

The result ensures Ghana finish top of Group E with 12 points and they are joined in qualification for next year’s continental tournament by Angola, who recorded a 0-0 draw with Madagascar in a concurrent game in Lubango.

CAR had the first notable effort on goal, with forward Goduine Koyalipoushooting on target from range, but his effort was tipped over the bar by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.

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And the Wild Beasts continued to grow in confidence, claiming the lead in the 25th minute: Christopher Youga played a fine ball over the top which allowed Louis Mafouta to round the on-rushing Ati-Zigi and steer the ball into an empty net for 1-0.

Madagascar, on the other hand, wrapped up an unsuccessful qualifying campaign without winning a single match and they finished fourth in the Group B standings with three points from six matches.

Palancas Negras exerted pressure on the Barea defence from the first minute, but the home side struggled to keep their attempts on target in the first-half and the score was 0-0 at halftime.

This prompted Pedro Goncavles to make two changes prior to the start of the second-half as the Angola head coach introduced experienced attackers Helder Costa and Gelson..