Ghana slump to defeat against Kenya

Ghana suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to 10-man Kenya in a Group F 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Saturday afternoon.

Nicholas Opoku’s own goal was the difference between the two teams in the Kenyan capital as the Harambee Stars clinched an historic win over their more fancied opponents.

Kenya ended the game with 10-men, with Joash Onyango seeing red for the hosts just after the hour mark.

Opoku diverted the ball past Richard Ofori and into the back of his own net just short of the break, under pressure from Michael Olunga, to give the hosts a deserved lead at the interval.

The Black Stars, though, would’ve fancied their chances of launching a comeback in the second-half, but poor finishing let the visitors down as Afriyie Acquah failed to hit the target with the goal at his mercy in the 55th minute.

Kenya were then reduced to 10-men as Onyango received his marching orders following a foul on Majeed Waris.

Eager to make good use of their man advantage, Ghana pushed forward in attack, but a lacked real quality in the final third.

Raphael Dwamena had a chance to grab a point for the Black Stars in the 80th minute, but he too failed in his attempt to hit the target as Kenya held on for all three points.

Victory moves the Harambee Stars level on points with both Ghana and Sierra Leone, who are away to Ethiopia on Sunday.