Ghana's 19-year-old AS Roma forward Felix Afena-Gyan scored twice to lead a 3-0 victory over Madagascar, placing the team atop Group E in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The win came as Angola edged the Central African Republic 2-1 in Luanda, with Libya securing a 1-0 triumph against Botswana in Benghazi.
Afena-Gyan opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a well-timed finish following a corner, doubling the lead three minutes later. Substitute Osman Bukari completed the rout in the 86th minute, rounding goalkeeper Razakanirina Rakotohasimbola to seal the victory. Ghana's win came days after captain Andre Ayew returned from a two-match ban.
Libya's 1-0 win over Botswana featured a controversial penalty save, with substitute Saleh al Taher scoring the decisive goal. The result marked a successful debut for new French coach Corentin Martins, who took charge as Libya aims to end a 10-year absence from the Cup of Nations finals, last achieved in 2012.
Ghana faces a challenging World Cup group stage, having drawn Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea in Group H. The team will next play the Central African Republic in Luanda before participating in World Cup warm-ups in Japan. Angola's 2-1 comeback victory over the Central African Republic included two late goals after a missed penalty by captain Alfredo Ribeiro.
