Jordan Ayew’s hat trick today has increased his goal tally to 20. He was fantastic in the game today. In place of Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, and Tariq Lamptey, Ghana coach Otto made three changes to the team that defeated Mali last week: Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Addo has switched back to a back four, with Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and Alexander Djiku defending Lawrence Ati-Zigi at the post.
Abdul Salis Samed and Thomas Partey were paired in midfield once more, while Sulemana and Issahaku played on the wings.
From the squad that defeated Mali 2-1 in Bamako four days prior, Mohammed Kudus was also kept on, and Ayew spearheaded the assault after scoring against the Eagles off the bench.
Just two minutes into the match, a charging run by Issahaku resulted in a penalty after he was hauled down in the CAR box, sending the Baba Yara Stadium into a frenzy.
After just two minutes of play, a ferocious dash by Issahaku, who was taken down in the CAR box, resulted in a penalty and a wild scene at Baba Yara Stadium.
As the first half appeared to be heading toward a draw, Mafouta shocked Ghana by scoring his second goal of the game by capitalizing on Mensah’s decisiveness.
But things changed in the second half of the match as Ghana changed things up and started to use the flanks more, switching positions with Sulemana and Issahaku.
Sulemana and Mensah both had a string of close misses before the latter’s pinpoint cross was met by a soaring header from Ayew at the far post to make it 2-2.
Issahaku gave Ghana the lead two minutes later with a deflected shot that hit the back of the net, and in the 69th minute, Ayew scored his hat-trick after a goalmouth scramble.
But there was still time for a little late drama, as Mafouta made it 4-3 with a stunning free-kick to score his third goal of the game.
In the meantime, the Black Stars are now three points ahead of Madagascar and Comoros, who play Chad and Madagascar, respectively, in Group I of the CAF World Cup qualifiers.