Ghana’s Black Stars kicked off their qualifying for the 2023 African Cup of Nations with a 3-0 victory against Madagascar at the Cape Coast Stadium on Wednesday (1 June).

Nine minutes after the interval, Kudus broke the game’s stalemate by heading home a low cross from Afena-Gyan, and two minutes later, the AS Roma star made his debut with a flick after meeting a Gideon Mensah cross.

Osman Bukari, a second-half replacement, then clinched the victory with five minutes remaining by eluding the Madagascar defenders before taking on the goalie and coolly slotting home.

The Black Stars made a strong start and should have broken the deadlock after three minutes when Jordan Ayew’s dipping shot went inches wide.

Fatawu Issahaku struck from outside the box ten minutes in and just missed before connecting with Afena-Gyan two minutes later, but the AS Roma forward’s drive was deflected away for a corner kick.

Mohammed Kudus put the 19-year-old through with a defense-splitting ball, but he was unable to hit the back of the goal.

Iddrisu Baba’s goal-bound header was then pushed off the line by the Madagascar goalkeeper, who also stopped Jordan Ayew’s long-range attempt in the first half.

Madagascar had an opportunity to break the stalemate before the interval thanks to a nice combination up front.

The Black Stars came out strong after the break, and Mohammed Kudus of Ajax scored only nine minutes into the second half after meeting a low cross from Felix Afena-Gyan.

Afena-Gyan went from supplier to scorer in two minutes. For Ghana’s second goal, the AS Roma youngster glanced home a Gideon Mensah cross.

The four-time African champions controlled the game, and with ten minutes remaining, Ghana coach Otto Addo made three substitutes, replacing Afena-Gyan, Fatawu Issahaku, and Andre Ayew with Antoine Semenyo, Osman Bukari, and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.

After avoiding two Madagascar defenders in the second half, substitute Osman Bukari clinched the win.