Matches in group D of the Cup of Nations were honoured on Tuesday with the Black Stars of Ghana playing the Cranes of Uganda in the first game.
The Ugandans were making their first appearance at the tourney since 1978, when they lost in the final of the competition to the same opponent, Ghana, by two goals to nothing.
It was a case of history repeating itself or a revenge for the Cranes against the 2015 finalist. They had a psychological edge over the Black Stars since they were unbeaten against them in their last three meetings and had better preparations ahead of the tournament.
The Black Stars of Ghana opened their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group D with a narrow victory over Uganda.
A first half penalty won by captain Asamoah Gyan and converted by Andre Ayew was enough to hand the 4-time African champions their first 3 points of the competition and a first win over Uganda for the first time in 4 games.
Left back Baba Rahman was replaced in the first half by Frank Acheampong after being stretchered off. It’s now been revealed the Schalke 04 defender on loan from Chelsea will miss the rest of the tournament after being flown back to Germany for further diagnosis and treatment.
In the group’s other game, 7 time Champions Egypt and Mali played out a thrilling 0-0 draw. Marega came closest for Mali with his header certain for goal was saved by Egypt’s goalkeeper El Shenawy. The save came at the cost as Shenawy was subsitituted minutes after that. Legendary goalkeeper Essam El Hadary came in to replace El Shenawy and became the oldest player to ever feature at the Africa Cup of Nations at the age of 43.
Ghana will next take on Mali on Saturday while Egypt play Uganda.
