Match Report: Semenyo scores dramatic late winner as Ghana beat Angola in Kumasi

In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Ghana defeated Angola 1-0 in a packed Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, marking Chris Hughton’s successful managerial debut for the team. Despite dominating possession, the Black Stars found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against a defensive-minded Palancas Negras side.

In the first half, Mohammed Kudus stood out for Ghana, attempting shots from range and taking on defenders, but his efforts lacked power to beat Angola’s goalkeeper Adilson Cipriano Da Cruz. Angola built up from the back without any pressure and remained composed. Although they had a few half-chances, they seemed content with earning a point, as evidenced by their time-wasting tactics in the second half.

In the second half, Hughton made several changes, taking off underwhelming attackers Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams, and replacing them with Joseph Paintsil and Antoine Semenyo, respectively. Semenyo’s inclusion proved to be the match-winner as he scored the only goal of the game in the 96th minute, pouncing on a scrappy ball inside the penalty box. This was the London-born striker’s second goal for Ghana.

Ghana is now three points clear at the top of their qualifying group, and another win against Angola on Monday in Luanda will seal their qualification to next year’s tournament in Ivory Coast. While the win is a positive start for Hughton, he acknowledges that there is still work to be done to help Ghana become serial winners and end their trophy drought.