Gladson Awako, Black Galaxies captain has hailed his team following a 3-0 victory over Benin in the first leg of the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying tie.
The Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder scored a stunning goal and so did his club teammates Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Mohammed Alhassan also scored, to secure victory in Cape Coast.
Barnieh scored a penalty to put Galaxies ahead after Ghana made a strong start, and their pressure paid off in the 25th minute.
Medeama’s Jonah Attuaquaye scored in the 36th minute, but it was controversially ruled out for offside, as Ghana won the first half 1-0.
Ghana players came out for the second half with a positive attitude, and it only took them five minutes to double their lead thanks to Alhassan’s great finish inside the box.
Captain Awako sealed the victory with a late third.
“It’s very good teamwork. We really worked hard for this game and you all can see we did well on the field. I know it’s not done yet so we will prepare and go for the second leg,” Awako said.
The second leg is set to take place on Saturday, July 30 in Porto-Novo, with the winner facing Nigeria in the final round.
Ghana hopes to return to the championship after missing the previous three editions. In the first three editions, Black Galaxies finished second twice.
Prior to the game, Black Galaxies head coach Annor Walker has appointed Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder Gladson Awako as the substantive captain for the team.
The former Accra Great Olympics star will assisted by Medeama’s Vincent Atingah as 1st Vice Captain and Asante Kotoko’ Imoro Ibrahim as 2nd Vice Captain.
“Earlier today we appointed Gladson Awako as Captain and he will be assisted by Vincent Atingah and Imoro Ibrahim Coach Walker said in an interview with GFA Communications.
“I urge all players to give them the necessary support to help us achieve success in our upcoming qualifiers he added.”
