It was a game, many thought the Black Stars would have had walk-over the West African neighbours as previous encounters and figures seems to favour Ghana ahead of Benin.

Contrary to expectations, the Stars had to come back from a goal down after Michael Pote rounded the Stars defence to slot in the first goal in the 2nd minute of the game to pull level in the early stages of the game.

Captain Andre Dede Ayew responded with the equaliser in the 34th minute, after Jordan Ayew rounded off the defenders of Benin and delivered a deflected cross on the path of the elder brother, who managed a perfect control of the ball, before firing in for the goal.

Ghana sustained the pressure on the Beninoise and succeeded in taking the lead in the 42nd minute through Jordan Ayew, who was voted the “Man of the Match” to end the first half of the game on high.

Forced Substitution

Coach Appiah was compelled to make an early substitution in the 35th minute of the game, when Thomas Agyapong got injured and was replaced by Samuel Owusu.

This obviously changed the pattern and plans of Coach Appiah for the game.

Owusu, lasted only 24 minutes as he was substituted again by Jonathan Mensah after John Boye was given the marching off orders.

The Red Card

Ghana was numerically disadvantaged when defender John Boye was sent off for engaging in time wasting tactics. This was after a free-kick in the Stars area saw Boye make an attempt to kick, but left for keeper Richard Ofori to effect the kick.

Tunisian referee ruled it an offence and sent him off with the second yellow card in the 54th minute.

This obviously affected the strength of the team numerically, as coach Appiah pulled out impressive Owusu and sent in Jonathan Mensah.

Pote’s threat

The threat of goal scorer Pote was imminent and he continued as a constant worry to the Black Stars and completed the brace for his side in the 63rd minute.

Substitution

Coach Appiah took off captain Andre Ayew and sent in Afriyie Acquah in the 89th minute, but this was insignificant as it had little impact on the performance of the team.

Implications

Ghana will take on Cameroon in the second game at the same venue on Saturday, June 29, and it is a must win game in order to keep their chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition on track.