Ghana got off their campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014 to a flier with a 7-0 thrashing of Lesotho in their Group D clash on Friday in Kumasi.
Striking duo Dominic Adiyiah and Jordan Ayew scored a brace each whilst strikes from Sulley Muntari, Christian Atsu and Jerry Akaminko sealed the convincing win that marked a perfect start for new coach Kwesi Appiah.
It was a one-sided match and the Ghanaians outplayed their visitors in all sectors in a match which was blighted by a 50-minute hold up due to power failure nine minutes into the second half. The Black Stars were leading 4-0 at the time and scored thrice after power was restored.
With Adiyiah and Esperance defender Harrison Afful making their returns to the team after being left out of the Africa Cup of Nations, the hosts started brightly whilst Turkey-based defender Jerry Akaminko also impressing on his debut.
After failing to put the ball past Lesotho goalkeeper Phasumane Kholoue in the opening minutes, stand-in captain Muntari managed to break the deadlock on 15 minutes from a well-rehearsed free-kick. Midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu set up Muntari, who delivered a curling shot that Lesotho goalie Kholoue had no answers.
Nine minutes later, Adiyiah doubled the lead after finishing off a solo effort to silence critics of his inclusion into the team after low-key season with Ukrainian club, Arsenal Kyiv.
Ghana pressed on and on the stroke of half time, Ayew scored the third goal, rounding of goalkeeper Kholoue before slot into the yawning net.
Four minutes from recess, Adiyiah once again proved he was worth the inclusion into the team. After trapping Muntari’s pass with his right foot, he fired into the net with his left foot for the fourth goal.
Five minutes later, the match was suspended due to a power failure and re-started after 50 minutes. Upon resumption, Muntari was replaced by youngster Atsu whilst Samuel Inkoom went out for Daniel Opare.
Atsu immediately made his presence felt with the fifth goal on 85 minutes with a curling effort from close range. Minutes later, the visitors were dealt a major blow after Koetle Tsoanelo was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Three minutes later, Ayew connected a rebound for the sixth goal before Akaminko headed home for the seventh goal to complete the routing.
Ghana will next play Africa champions, Zambia on Saturday, June 9 in Ndola.
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