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Ayew Penalty Earns Three Points And Top Spot For Ghana In Group D

Ayew Penalty Earns Three Points And Top Spot For Ghana In Group D

An Andre Ayew penalty was enough to earn the Black Stars of Ghana three points thanks to a 1-0 victory over Uganda at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The West Africans defeated their East African counterparts in a Group D encounter at Stade de Port-Gentil in Gabon on Tuesday evening.

The Uganda Cranes were making their first appearance in the premier African tournament in 39 years, and they did not disappoint their fans with passionate play that ensured they gave their illustrious opponents a tough time.

Half an hour into the game, the Black Stars earned a penalty when Isaac Isinde lost the ball and pulled down Gyan in the penalty area in an attempt to stop the danger.

Andre Ayew was on hand to score the spot-kick, and Ghana went into half time with a 1-0 lead. The second half saw Avram Grant’s men put under heavy pressure from the Ugandans, but despite great determination from the Cranes, the Black Stars held on to the precious victory.

Uganda are now fourth in Group D, followed by Mali and Egypt on a single point, with Ghana leading the group after a single round of matches.

Goalless draw in the other Group D game

Ghana have bragging rights at the top team in their group thanks to the goalless stalemate that took place in the other Group D encounter at the same stadium later in the night.

The defenders and goalkeepers were the stars of the match in Port-Gentil on the night, as they worked hard to thwart numerous attacking opportunities at both ends of the pitch.

The night belonged to veteran Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who was brought on as a substitute for the injured Ahmed El Shenawy in the first half. The 44-year-old El Hadary set a new tournament record for the oldest player to have played in an official match at the AFCON.

He made some stunning saves and proved to be a commanding presence at the back for the Pharaohs.

The goalless draw ensured a point for both teams, and they will return to the pitch on Saturday when Mali face Ghana, and Egypt clash with Uganda.