Ghana took top spot in Group A after cruising to an impressive 2-0 victory over Guinea in the Wafu Cup of Nations Thursday night.
Both goals came in the second half through Stephen Sarfo and Kwame Kizito who came on as his replacement in front of a packed house at the 15,000 capacity Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars started brightly, piling all the pressure on the Syli Nationale but were poor in converting the numerous opportunities that came their way.
In the tenth minute, Winnful Cobbinah had the first real chance when he drove into the box, beating two defenders before firing narrowly over from the edge of the box.
Nine minutes after, Guinea created their first opening when Seydouba Camara found himself in space 20-yards out, but his shot shaved the wrong side of the post.
On the half hour mark Guinea were on the attack again with Ibrahima Camara driving into the box from the left flank, but his powerful 14-yard strike hit the side-netting.
The Black Stars finished the stronger of the two sides and came within inches of taking the lead in the 39th minute when Felix Addo dribbled his way into a good area, but his stinging pile-driver struck the outside of the post.
On the stroke of half time Ghana came close again when Gideon Waja let fly from range, but again the direction was poor and the shot sailed over.
It was 0-0 at half time.
Three minutes into the second half the Black Stars took the lead when a cross from the right by Felix Addo was turned home by the chest of Stephen Sarfo from four yards out, 1-0.
Ghana thought they had doubled their lead in the 70th minute when Stephen Sarfo found the back of the net once more, but his goal was not given because the referee adjudged him to have been in an off-side position.
Seven minutes later the Black Stars did find their second goal after two substitutes combined when Razak Patrick headed a right wing cross back into the path of Kwame Kizito and he duly headed home from close range, 2-0.
Guinea nearly pulled a goal back in the 84th minute when a spectacular 30-yard free-kick from Seydouba Camara struck the woodwork and bounced away from danger.
In the other group opener, Mali and Nigeria played out a barren draw, which means Ghana go top of Group A.
Ghana will next face Mali while Guinea will look to bounce back against Nigeria. Both games will be played on Saturday, September 16.
Lineups:
Ghana: 1. J Addo, 2. Frimpong, 12. S. Safro, 5. Atingah, 6. Abbey, 9. I Addo (17. Patrick 64’), 18. Lomotey, 7. Twum, 10. Cobbina, 8. Waja (14. Adams 91’), 15. K Safro (13. Kizito 72’).
Guinea: 1. A Sylla, 2. A Camara, 4. N Camara, 5. Conde, 3. I Sylla, 17. Bangoura (12. N’Diaye 52’), 8. A Camara, 13. Jean (18. Diallo 75’), 10. S Camara, 11. Keita (7. Sory Camara 63’), 9 I Camara.
