AFCON 2017 Qualifier
Result: Rwanda 0 – 1 Ghana
Date: 05 September 2015
Venue: Stade Amahoro
A late Wakaso Mabarak strike handed the Black Stars a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in an AFCON Qualification match on Saturday afternoon.
It was always going to be an interesting clash between Rwanda and Ghana, but the poor state of the playing surface made things even more complex as the teams had to adjust for the playing conditions.
The host nation seemed to be coping better with the pitch as they had a better start to the match, the skipper making sure to send an early message with his 5th minute effort that sailed over the crossbar. Ghana responded with an attack of their own and Amartey almost grabbed the opener, but Kwizera's quick reaction ensured the scores stayed unchanged.
The visitors began to gain momentum as the match progressed, but they were finding it difficult to find a way past the Rwanda defensive line. The pitch was also playing a role in making the stringing of passes more difficult.
Andre Ayew had a chance in the 20th minute but fluffed his shot after failing to get a clean shot on goal. Ten minutes later, Rwanda were putting together some nice passing moves and had a lovely chance to grab the lead after Razak cleared the ball off the line.
Ghana upped the tempo in search of the opener with the half drawing to a close, but chances were not easy to come by and 0-0 is how the teams headed into the break.
The hosts looked an inspired outfit in the early exchanges of the second half, but the surface was preventing any momentum from building up to a solid phase of attack.
Christian Atsu had a superb chance in the 63rd minute following a wonderful phase of passing and weaving from the Black Stars, but Kwizera produced a stunning save to keep the hosts in the game. A few moments later, it was Ayew who had a good opportunity to rattle the net, but the Swansea marksman failed to convert the chance.
It was all Ghana in the closing exchanging of the encounter as Solomon Asante also had a great chance to score in the 78th minute, before Kwezira fluffed a corner with no Ghanian in site to capitalize.
Mubarak Wakaso did, however, capitalize three minutes later when the hitman struck a superb free-kick past a helpless Kwizera to give Avram Grant's men a 1-0 lead with two minutes to go. No real chance could be created after that and Ghana walked away with maximum points.
