Ghana, DRC in goal fest

Ghana and the DR Congo wiped out the disappointment of goalless draws on the opening day of the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-all thriller as they kicked off the campaign in Group B.

The Black Stars were the first on the scoresheet today when Badu Agyemang gave coach Kwesi Appiah’s side the advantage going into the half-time break.

Italy-based defender Kwadwo Asamoah headed home the second shortly after recess when the Juventus player headed in a well-taken corner kick.

But the Leopards of the DR Congo clawed their way back almost immediately, courtesy of captain Tresor Mputu who pulled one back to half the deficit.

It was game on and Ghana succumbed to pressure from persistent attacks by coach Claude Le Roy’s side.

After being under siege for longer spells in the middle of the second half, Ghana conceded a penalty that gave the DRC a glimmer of hope.

The flurry of goals was a result of the attacking approach the two sides had put on display throughout, which was well received by the crowd, dominated by Ghanaians.

Ghana defender John Pantsil said they would plug the loopholes that earned DRC a point, ahead of their second fixture against Mali at 5pm on Thursday.

DRC will face Niger at 8pm on the same day.

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