Ghana qualify for Gabon 2017

Ghana qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals with a 2-0 win away to Mauritius in Group H.

A goal from skipper Andre Ayew in the 70th minute and Christian Atsu in the 73rd minute was enough to send the Black Stars through to Gabon.

The Black Stars started the game the better team with lots of chances but Mauritius goalkeeper Jean Louis denied the likes of Andre, Acheampong and Atsu from breaking the deadlock.

Most of the action was in the half of the Mauritius team as Ghana pressed through the wings with Baba Rahman and Harrison leading that attack.

The clearest opportunity fell to Andre Ayew in the 23rd minute but goalkeeper Louis stood thick to parry the ball away.

Mauritius in the 30 minute resorted to rough play to halt Ghana’s free-flowing passing with Baba Rahman being the victim.

Avram Grant’s side continued to press but the deadlock was not broken in the first half as the two teams went into the tunnel with a goalless score line in the first half.

The second half begun with the Black Stars pilling pressure on the Mauritius team -Jordan Ayew and Frank Acheampong combined beautifully and worked out what looked like the first goal but a good defensive display from Jonathan Bru denied them.

In the 62nd minute Wakaso struck a long range shot but goalkeeper Louis produced a fine save to deny him the goal.

After pressing and pushing the Mauritius team Andre Ayew got the goal in the 70th minute after calmly placing it past goalie Jean Louis.

Three minutes after Andre’s goal, Baba Rahman laid a pass for Atsu to shoot for the second goal in the 73rd minute.

The Black Stars did not relent after scoring those two goals as they continued to push more men forward.

Athletico Madrid Star Thomas Partey made his Black Stars debut as he came on for Frank Acheampong in the 79th minute. Partey saw lots of the action as he troubled the Mauritius midfield.

Ghana will play Rwanda in the last qualifier in September despite qualifying for the competition with 13 points in Group H.