AFCON2023Q: Ghana, Angola secure AFCON ticket as top two sides in Group E

Chris Houghton’s second game at home provided a special moment for Ghana as they defeated visitors Central African Republic 2-1 on Thursday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to book a place into next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast.

Needing at least a win to secure passage, things looked to be going horribly wrong for the Black Stars as striker Louis Mafouta put the visitors ahead midway through the first half.

A moment of individual brilliance ensued minutes afterwards, as new West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Kudus torched in a long-range freekick in the 43rd minute to keep the scores level going into halftime.

Ghana were made to work super hard for the win, and it did come late - in the 88th minute - when Lyon forward, currently on loan at RWD Molenbeek, Ernest Appiah, nicked in a late tap-in to ensure they topped the Group E standings after matchday six.

They led the pool with 12 points from three wins and three draws.

Angola vs Madagascar.

At the Estadio Nacional Da Tundavala, Angola also secured passage into the AFCON finals after settling for a barren draw with bottom placed Madagascar on Thursday evening.

Already with one foot into next year’s games, Angola needed at least a point from today’s game, with a win pulling the away as the top side in Group E.

As fate would have it however, the two nations settled for their fifth draw in all competitions, with Pedro Goncalves’ men finishing second in the group with nine points - two wins and three draws.

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GHANA: Ati-Zigi, Seidu, Aidoo, Djiku, Rahman (Mensah 69’), Owusu (Iddrisu 90+3’), Abdul Samed, Bukari (Appiah 63’), J. Ayew, Kudus, Williams (Semenyo 69’)

CAR: Lembet, Yangao, Ndobe, Guinari, Yapende (Tompte 90’), Baboula (Majouga 57’), Pirioua (Urie 83’), Youga, Namnganda (Tatolna 46’), Koyalipou, Mafouta