Ghana international Caleb Ekuban delivered an outstanding performance to help Genoa secure an away win over Empoli in the Italian Serie A.

The Black Stars striker made a substitute appearance as his outfit cruised to a 2-1 win over Empoli on Saturday.

The first half of the much-anticipated clash ended in a pulsating goalless draw, as both teams struggled to find the net.

Genoa broke the deadlock on the 46th-minute mark through Croatian international Milan Badelj. In the 54th minute, Empoli were awarded a penalty but Sebastiano Esposito missed a fine opportunity to level the score.

Ekuban needed just five minutes to secure victory for Genoa in the match. The former Trabzonspor attacker replaced Andrea Pinamonti in the 63rd minute before slotting home the match-winner in the 68th minute after connecting with Fabio Miretti's pass.

In the 74th minute, Sebastiano Esposito, who initially missed the penalty pulled one back for the home team.

The 30-year-old Ghanaian forward has scored just a goal from six games in the Italian Serie A.

Meanwhile, his compatriot, Emmanuel Gyasi lasted the entire duration of the match and went into the books of the referee in the 81st minute.