Ghana handed Qatar a resounding 5-1 beating in their international friendly played in Antalya, Turkey Monday afternoon.
After a poor showing against Mali where they lost 3-0 on Friday, the Black Stars produced a better response in calming Ghanaian hearts.
Tariqe Fosu, Samuel Owusu, Caleb Ekuban and Andre Ayew’s double means coach Charles Akonnor has his first win since his appointment in January.
It was the Maroons who began the game with a threat at goal only for Almoez Ali’s effort to strike the goal post early in the 3rd minute.
Minutes later, Ghana had their chance to have the lead in the encounter.
Skipper Andre Ayew made an attempt of scoring on the 13th minute but his feeble strike was saved by Saad Abdulla.
The Black Stars later had the lead through new inclusion Tariqe Fosu in the 22nd minute after connecting Jordan Ayew’s low cross.
The Brentford winger’s first-ever goal for the Ghana national team in his second cap.
But before halftime, Qatar managed to level the score through Almoez Ali.
A fair result for both sides going into the break at the Titanic Sports Complex.
In the second half, Ghana proved too strong for their opponents in all departments of the game.
Baba Iddrisu, Thomas Partey and Andre Ayew’s ball movement in midfield meant the Asian champions were left to chase shadows.
It was on the 63rd minute that Andre Ayew restored the lead for Ghana with a cool finish.
Akonnor’s side never looked back after the lead.
Three minutes later, winger Samuel Owusu made a solo run with a long pass from Thomas Partey to extend the lead for the West African nation.
On the 83rd minute, Ayew got his second goal of the day with a cool near-post header from a decent cross delivered by his brother Jordan Ayew.
Turkey-based Caleb Ekuban sealed the Black Stars’ heavy win with his goal on the 87th minute after heading a cross from Samuel Owusu.
Ghana will face Sudan in a double-header fixture in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
