‘Generous’ Akonnor hands Black Stars debut to 5 players

Head coach of Ghana’s Senior National Football Team Charles Akonnor handed debut appearances 5 players on Sunday as the Black Stars beat Sao Tome and Principe.

Both sides met in one of two last Group C games of the 2021 AFCON qualifiers a the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With Ghana having already secured qualification prior to the game and standing a good chance to get victory over Sao Tome – the group’s whipping boys- it was widely expected that C. K Akonnor will hand maiden appearances to some of the players invited to join his squad.

Local boys Gladson Awako,Justice Blay and Imoro Ibrahim all came on in the second half to make their debut while German-born Ghanaian Kwasi Okyere Wriedt and UK-born youngster Kwame Afriyie Poku Adubofour also earned their maiden appearances with the Black Stars.

Great Olympics midfielder Gladson Awako was the first to make his debut appearance. The former TP Mazember ball schemer came on just before the commencement of the second half for Osman Bukari (who started his first game for the Black Stars).

Asante Kotoko’s Imoro Ibrahim and Kwasi Okyere Wriedt were the next beneficiaries of Coach Akonnor’s benevolence. With Ghana cruising to a 3 nil win, the Black Stars gaffer introduced the duo into the game. Ibrahim came on for Baba Rahman while Okyere Wriedt replaced Jordan Ayew in what were like for like replacements.

Coach Akonnor wasn’t done yet as with 12 minutes of normal time remaining, the former national team skipper gave Medeama SC midfielder Justice Blay an opportunity to represent the senior team for the first time likewise Colchester United midfielder Kwame Poku. Blay came on for Wakaso Mubarak while Poku replaced Kudus Mohammed.

The game eventually ended 3-1 when Iniesta grabbed a consolation for Sao Tome following an error by Ghana Goalie Razak Abalora.

Ghana’s goals were scored by Nicholas Opoku (debut goal), Jordan Ayew (from the spot) and Baba Rahman (debut goal).

The result saw Ghana end the campaign as Group C table toppers and make the final list of qualified teams for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon next year.

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Source: footballmadeinghana.com