Friendly International: Ghana 2-1 Gabon

Derek Asamoah got a late goal to save Ghana's blushes against a resilient Gabon in an international friendly on Tuesday night. Ghana won 2-1.

The Korea-based player reposed the confidence put in him by his coach when he came on as a second half sub in Paris. The game looked to be heading for a draw when Andre Ayew's cross was powered home by the Pohang Steelers winger.

A second string Ghana side led after a 12th minute penalty converted by Emmanuel Agyemang Badu. Masawudu Alhassan, who had a good game at left back, had been brought down in the Azingo Nationale penalty box. Gabon were level on the stroke of halftime through Eric Mouloungui, who headed home a free kick from Stephane Nguema.

Sulley Muntari, who had started as captain of the day, pulled out of the game after landing badly. The team doctor explained after the game that further tests would be run, but that the change was only precautionary for the Inter midfielder.

Several changes in the second-half slowed the game noticeably before Derek Asamoah got the winner. Charles Takyi and Jeffrey Schlupp were both handed their first senior caps as they came on as substitutes

Jordan Anagblah, vice president of the Ghana FA, gave his impressions on the new boys. "We watched the new players called up and I think some of them are ok. Not all of them, some of them"

The game ended a busy year of international football ahead of the turn of the year. The next plan for the team would be pre-African Cup camping in December. Both sides are finalists at the Nations Cup.

Summary

1-0 Agyeman-Badu (PK)
1-1 Eric Mouloungui
2-1 Derrick Asamoah

Ghana line up: Adam Kwarasey, Samuel Inkoom, Massawudu Alhassan, Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, Anthony Annan, Andre Ayew, Agyeman Badu, Prince Tagoe/Jeffrey Schlupp, Kwadwo Asamoah, Sulley Muntari/Opare

.... details later