Jordan gets winner as Ghana beat Congo 3-2 in friendly

The Black Stars of Ghana yesterday set in motion their preparation towards Sunday’s AFCON qualifier against Rwanda with a 3-2 victory over their Congolese counterparts in a warm-up game at the newly-constructed Stade de Olympique de Unite in Kintele, Brazzaville.

A brilliant strike by Aston Villa of England striker, Jordan Ayew, almost on the stroke of full time, secured the all-important victory for the Black Stars after it appeared the game was heading for a 2-2 draw in the international friendly to open the newly-constructed stadium scheduled to host the All Africa Games.

The Stars saw their two early goals  — an own goal in the third minute and a superb effort from Richmond Boakye-Yiadom in the 18th minute — cancelled out by the hosts in the second half.

However, it was substitute Jordan’s late goal which broke the hearts of the Congolese fans in the 65,000-capacity stadium.

Stars coach, Avram Grant, fielded a relatively inexperienced side in the first half with Razak Braimah manning the post.

The hosts started off well in the early exchanges, and led an onslaught into the Stars’ area for an early opener but their efforts were repelled.

In the fourth minute, winger Solomon Asante led  a solo effort into the Congolese area and curled a shot which was deflected into the net by defender Moubhio Ngounga Boris for the opener.

Claude Le Roy's charges went on the offensive and probed for the equaliser but were punished in the 18th minute when a brilliant two-man display between Eric Nii Adjei and Boakye-Yiadom at the edge of the opponents box saw the latter release a low drive to the blind side of goalkeeper Mafoumbi Christoffer for the second goal.

Back from recess, Congo took the game to the Ghanaians and dominated in spite of the introduction of key players, including Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan and Jordan Ayew.

The pressure by the hosts paid off in the 54th minute when Congolese winger Prince Oniangue sent the home crowd into frenzy after he headed in a corner that found the back of goalkeeper Fatau Dauda's net with the Stars defenders caught ball-watching.

Congo continued their dominance over the Stars and got the equaliser in the 91st minute through midfielder Ferobory Dore, who finished off a calculated play with a tap into the net.

Reeling from pressure, the Stars dug deep for the winner and found it in Jordan in the 94th minute.

The striker took the ball from the wings, dribbled past two Congolese players and curled a brilliant shot into the net before celebrating by taking off his shirt.