Ghana 2, Zambia 1
The Black Stars of Ghana progressed to the next stage of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers after playing a rather tactical game to edge out Zambia’s Chipolopolo with a 2:1 score line.
The Stars thus topped Group D with 15 points with the Zambians stuck at 11 points.
With the Zambians enjoying long spells of possession, the Ghanaians were far from the free-flowing entertaining games they are accustomed to, slowing the game in midfield and allowing their opponents to do most of the running.
Hardworking Abdul Majeed Waris headed in Ghana’s first goal in the 17th minute from a John Boye lob to put the Zambian dream in danger. Visit our photo gallery.
Five minutes later Asamoah Gyan should have doubled the lead for the Stars but he misdirected his header when he found himself at the end of Harrison Afful’s pass.
The Zambians when they decided to press for goals of their own put the Ghanaians under immense pressure, exposing goalkeeper Fatau Dauda’s match rustiness. He fumbled with a Zambian corner in the 25th minute, fell in a chase for the ball in his box in the 33rd minute and struggled to deal with a 37th minute long drive at goal. In between the Zambian siege, Mubarak Wakasu almost got his name on the score sheet with a powerful left drive tipped just over the Zambian bar by an agile Kennedy Mweene in goal.
John Boye and Jonathan Mensah mounted a steely wall at the back for the Stars, however the full backs of Harrison Afful and Daniel Opare left gaps that exposed the team to sporadic onslaughts. The pair eventually picked yellow cards when they tried to muscle up their play.
10 minutes into the second half, the Black Stars brought on Michael Essien and Christian Atsu for Rabiu Mohammed and Wakasu respectively, immediately neutralizing the Zambians in midfield. But that reprieve was only for a while, as the Chipolopolo started firing again in their search for goals.
The resurgence was dealt a hefty blow in the 62nd minute when Kwadwo Asamoah rifled in from 35 meters as Mweene dived desperately and fruitlessly for a save.
The serious jolt also lived on momentarily, for soon after the goal, the Zambians twice found themselves in the Ghanaian goal area but fluffed the opportunities.
They could not be denied again however, when Nathan Sinkala rifled a low one from a corner in the 72 minute.
The Zambians then threw in all they could but found the Stars defence unyielding, wasting a couple more chances before referee Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria blew his final whistle.
In post-match comments, Zambian coach Renard Herve did not seem too disappointed, acknowledging his side lost to no other side the Ghana, a great football nation.
His opposite Kwasi Appiah was full of praise for his charges, claiming it was always going to be a difficult game but happy his players were tactically focused.
Line-Up: Black Stars
Fatawu Dauda (GK); Asamoah Gyan (C)/ Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (+80'); Daniel Opare; Majeed Waris; Andre Ayew; Mohammed Rabiu/Michael Essien (+55'); Jonathan Mensah; Kwadwo Asamoah; John Boye; Mubarak Wakaso/Christian Atsu (+55') and Harrison Afful. (Unused subs: Kevin-Prince Boateng Razak Brimah)
Chipolopolo
Kennedy Mweene (GK); Chisamba Lungu; Joseph Musonda/Emmanuel Mbola (+45'+2); Hichani Himoonde/Fwayo TEMBO (+45'+1); Davies Nkausu/James Chamanga (+77'); Kondwani Mtonga; Christopher Katongo (C); Stoppila Sunzu; Rainford Kalaba; Nathan Sinkala and Emmanuel Mayuka
By Isaac Yeboah/graphic.com.gh/Ghana