Ruthless Ghana Thrash Mauritius 7-1 in AFCON 2017 Qualifier
Ghana made a dominant start to their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a resounding 7-1 victory over Mauritius in Accra on Sunday.
The Black Stars, finalists in the 2015 edition, wasted no time asserting their superiority. Christian Atsu opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a composed finish before Jordan Ayew doubled the lead in the 17th. Captain Asamoah Gyan then took over, scoring twice in quick succession (23rd and 30th minute), while Ayew netted his second in the 38th to make it 5-0.
Mauritius managed to pull one back just before half-time through Andy Sophie, but the match was already out of reach as the sides went into the break at 5-1.
The second half saw Ghana maintain their grip on the game. Defender Jeffrey Schlupp got on the scoresheet in the 66th minute, marking his first international goal. Substitute David Accam later added the seventh, completing the rout and sending a strong message to the rest of Group H.
With the win, Ghana top the group on goal difference ahead of Rwanda, who beat Mozambique 1-0 away from home earlier in the day.
Black Stars head coach Avram Grant will be pleased with the performance and the clinical finishing displayed by his side, who now sit in a commanding position as favourites to top the group and qualify for Gabon 2017.
Ghana Starting XI vs Mauritius:
Razak Brimah – Harrison Afful, Jeffrey Schlupp, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah – Mubarak Wakaso, Christian Atsu, Agyemang Badu – Asamoah Gyan (capt), Jordan Ayew, Schlupp
