Sports News of Thursday, 11 June 2020

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Today in sports history: Asamoah Gyan scores 50th goal for the Black Stars

Black Stars striker , Asamoah Gyan play videoBlack Stars striker , Asamoah Gyan

On this day 11 June 2017 (Exactly 3 years ago today) Asamoah Gyan scored his 50th international goal as Ghana thumped Ethiopia 5-0 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group F match at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The Black Stars started off like a house on fire as they hit the back of the net twice in the first 15 minutes of the encounter.

The deadlock was broken by Asamoah Gyan, who headed home Thomas Agyepong’s cross to make it 1-0 to Ghana ten minutes into the game.

It was soon 2-0 to Ghana five minutes later after John Boye controlled the ball beautifully, before beating Ethiopia goalkeeper Abel Mamo.

The then Holland-based midfielder Agyepong, who was making his international debut for Ghana, was looking lively for the home side.

The attacker showed some good skills in the 22nd minute, before unleashing a shot which was blocked and cleared away by Walia Ibex.

The Black Stars continued to pile pressure on the Walia Ibex defense as they looked to extend their lead and they did make it 3-0.

Ebenezer Ofori was the man who beat Mamo this time when his thunderous left-footed effort hit the back of the net five minutes before the halftime break.

Ghana was leading 3-0 during the halftime following an entertaining first half which was dominated by the home side.

The Black Stars continued to press Walia Ibex in the second half and they extended their lead through Raphael Dwamena, who was also making his debut for Ghana.

The bulky striker hit the back of the net from close range from a rebound making it 4-0 to Ghana.

Dwamena then completed his brace on the hour-mark scoring from close range after Mamo failed to hold onto the ball and the striker made it 5-0 to Ghana.

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori was finally seriously tested towards the 70th minute when he was forced into a good save by Ethiopia winger Shimeles Bekele from a free-kick.

Afriyie Acquah, a defensive midfielder by trade, was introduced by Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah in the closing stages of the match as the home side looked to contain Ethiopia.

The Walia Ibex were unable to grab a late consolation goal as keeper Richard Ofori was alert in the dying minutes of the match and ultimately, Ghana ran out 5-0 winners

Match Summary

Venue: Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi Score: Ghana 5-0 Ethiopia Goals Scored Asamoah Gyan (10) John Boye (15) Ebenezer Ofori (40) Raphael Dwamena (48, 60)

Ghana: Richard Ofori, Harrison Afful, Lumor Agbenyunu, John Boye, A Daniele Amartery, Ebenezer Ofori, Thomas Agyepong, Thomas Partey (Afriyie Acquah 73?), Andre Ayew (Jordan Ayew 79?), Asamoah Gyan (Majeed Waris 65?), Raphael Dwamena.

Coach: James Kwasi Appiah

Ethiopia: Abel Mamo (Jamal Tassew 64?), A. Anteneh Tesfaye; Mujid Kasim, Seyoum Tesfaye (Abdulkerim Mohammed 78?), Aschalew Tamene, Mulualem Mesfen (Salem Said 46?), Shemeles Bekele, Gatwoch Panom, Adis Giday, Omod Oukri, Getaneh Kadebe

Coach: : Ashenafi Bekele

Referee: Maguette N'Diaye(Senegal)

Watch the goal below,