CK Akonnor hails Black Stars for landmark performance

Former Ghana captain Charles 'CK' Akonnor is happy with the Black Stars performance against Ethiopia in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener and has gone on to praise coach James Kwesi Appiah.

The Black Stars were ruthless in Kumasi last weekend, defeating the Walias 5-0 to begin their campaign on a high.

Debutant Raphael Dwamena scored twice, while captain Asamoah Gyan registered his 50th Ghana goal, in addition to strikes from Ebenezer Ofori and John Boye.

"I was excited about the team's performance against the Ethiopians because, for the first time in years, they played compactly," Akonnor told Graphic Sports.

"Our coach did a fantastic job with his tactics.

"I was enthused about his boldness to give three players their debut in his first game."

Munich 1860 youngster Agbenyenu Lumor and NAC Breda winger Thomas Agyepong were the other two debutants in the starting XI.

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Ofori, meanwhile, made only his second Ghana outing.

The Black Stars return to action later this month in a friendly fixture with Mexico on June 28, three days before playing the USA in another exhibition game.