Ghana defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F match at the Suez Stadium in Egypt on Tuesday evening.
As a result, the Black Stars secured their place in the Round of 16 as group winners, while the African Wild Dogs crashed out of the tournament after finishing fourth.
The African Wild Dogs were pressed by the Black Stars in the opening stages of the match, but they looked dangerous on the counter-time.
Guinea-Bissau came very close to scoring through Piqueti Djassi Brito Silva following a quick counter in the 18th minute.
The Saudi Arabia-based winger’s curling effort was brilliantly saved by Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who pushed the ball onto the crossbar.
The Black Stars then piled more pressure on the African Wild Dogs defence and Jordan Ayew’s powerful low shot hit the upright just after the half-hour mark.
The momentum was with Ghana with the half-time break approaching and they had another chance to break the deadlock.
Jordan’s older brother, Andre Ayew went through and shoot at goal, but the Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes denied the Ghana captain.
The score was 0-0 at the interval following a first-half which was dominated by Ghana.
The Black Stars got off to the perfect start as they broke the deadlock through Jordan Ayew, who beat his marker before scoring to make it 1-0 to Ghana a minute after the restart.
Guinea-Bissau nearly responded with a goal as Joseph Mendes’ powerful low shot hit the upright with Maritzburg United keeper Ofori well-beaten.
The African Wild Dogs were growing in confidence and Ofori had to produce magnificent diving save to deny Mamadu Cande, who was looking to score with a free-kick just after the hour-mark.
However, Ghana made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute following a moment of brilliance as Andre Ayew set-up Baba Rahman, whose low cross was turned home by Thomas Partey.
Kwesi Appiah’s men pushed for more goals in the closing stages of the game, but Guinea-Bissau stood firm at the back and ultimately, Ghana emerged 2-0 winners.
Guinea-Bissau (0) 0
Ghana (0) 2 (Ayew 46′, Partey 72′)
Guinea-Bissau: Jonas Mendes, Gomes, Marcelo, Juary, Cande, Bura (Moreto 63′), Mane, Pele, Mama Balde, Joseph Mendes (Mendy 79′), Piqueti (Silva 67′).
Ghana: Ofori, Yiadom, Aidoo, Boye, Baba Rahman, Wakaso Jr, Partey (Ekuban 83′), Andre Ayew, Kwabena Owusu (Acquah 66′), Samuel Owusu (Asamoah 86′), Jordan Ayew.
africanfootball.com
