Match Report: Caleb Ekuban, Kwesi Appiah & Partey all on target as Black Stars thrash Mauritania in international friendly

Strikers Kwesi Appiah, Caleb Ekuban and Thomas Partey scored a goal each as Kwasi Appiah’s Black Stars posted a 3-1 win over Mauritania in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars after beating the Harambee Stars of Kenya in the final round of the 2019 Cup of Nations Qualifier on Saturday, went ahead to wallop their Mauritanian counterparts with Coach Kwasi Appiah introducing most of the players who warmed the bench in Saturday’s game as he assesses the performance of the players ahead of the Nations Cup in Egypt.

AFC Wimbledon Kwesi Appiah gave the Black Stars an early lead after converting a penalty on the fifth minute following a foul on him.

Adama Ba drew Mauritania level on the 48^th minute with a brilliant freekick.

Substitute Calen Ansah Ekuban doubled the Black Stars lead few minutes after coming on to replace Kwesi Appiah.

Captain Thomas Partey scored a brilliant goal to make it 3-1 for Ghana.

Coach Kwasi Appiah made a quick two changes after recess when he brought on Christian Atsu to replace Ernest Asante with goal scorer Kwesi Appiah making way for Caleb Ansah Ekuban who scored the Black Stars only goal in their 1-0 win over Kenya last Saturday.

Jeffery Schlupp was however, replaced by his Crystal Palace team mate Jordan Ayew on the 57^th minute with Mabarak Wakaso coming on for his younger brother Alhassan Wakaso two minutes later.

Kotoko ace Kwame Bonsu later came on to replace Alfred Duncan of Sassuolo fame with goalkeeper Ati Zigi making way for Felix Annan.

Below is Ghana’s full starting XI against Mauritania:

Lawrence Ati Zigi, Amos Frimpon, Lumor Agbenyenu , Nicholas Opoku, Joseph Aidoo, Alfred Duncan ,Alhassan Wakaso, Jeffery Schlupp, Ernest Asante, Thomas Partey, Kwesi Appiah.

Subs:

Felix Annan, Daniel Opare, Kassim Nuhu Adams, Christian Atsu, Caleb Ekuban, Jordan Atsu, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew, Mubarak Wako, Kwame Bonsu, John Boye.

Mauritania Starting XI against Ghana:

N. Diaw – N’Diaye, Abeid, M. Diaw, Thiam – Yali, Coulibaly, Guidilèye, El Id – Bessam, Anne. Coach: Martins