- Ghana secured a nervy 1-0 win against Angola in Thursday afternoon's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
- The win ensures Ghana are unbeaten at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium since 2000
- A win or draw for the Black Stars in the reverse fixture on Monday, March 27, will all but secure qualification
Antoine Semenyo was the hero as Ghana left it late to secure a hard-fought one-nil victory against Angola in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
The Bournemouth striker climbed off the bench to score the match's only goal as the Black Stars of Ghana tightened their grip at the summit of Group E.
Source: Twitter
Semenyo's 96th-minute strike ensured new Ghana coach Chris Hughton started his new role on a winning note.
How Ghana pipped Angola
Playing for the first time after their disappointing exit from the World Cup group stage, the four-time African champions were poised to appease a highly-charged crowd at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ click on "Recommended for you" and enjoy!
Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus saw his close-range effort agonizingly miss the goal by inches as Ghana threatened to break the game's deadlock in the opening stages.
However, the visitors would weather the storm and create some decent chances in the first half, discomforting the Ghanaian defence.
A nervy first half will come to a close with no side finding the back of the net despite the home side having the lion's share of possession.
Ghana put up an improved performance in the second stanza of the game, with zippy winger Kamaldeen Sulemana causing problems for the Angola defence.
The super-subs effect
Coach Chris Hughton ringed the changes with 21 minutes left on the clock, bringing on Antoine Semenyo, Joseph Paintsil and Abdul Salis Samed for Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew and Edmund Addo, respectively.
The change proved a masterstroke as Ghana attacked with greater impetus and threatened to find the back of the net.
Paintsil was brought down by a clumsy tackle with less than a minute to end proceedings, resulting in a freekick on the right edge of the Angolan box.
Kudus whipped in a dangerous ball which was not properly cleared by the Palancras Negras defence, causing Semenyo to pounce on the loose ball in the goalmouth melee and rifle home the winner.
Watch Semenyo's goal:
