Christian Atsu’s 85th minute goal sealed Ghana’s dramatic 2-3 triumph against Togo in the Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at Lome on Wednesday.
Atsu, 22, left hearts broken after condemning hosts five minutes from time to boost Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the continent’s most prestigious tournament, they have clinched four times.
The winger currently on loan at Everton of the English Premier League, from Chelsea used his pace and strength to split Togo’s defence before drilling home for three points for the visitors.
Togo had earlier taken the lead in the first half, when Ayite utilised his second goal attempt to shoot past goalkeeper Stephen Adams but the advantage lasted just 12 minutes, as striker Asamoah Gyan leveled matters with a header into the bottom corner.
Agyemang Badu changed the proceedings once again after his 34th minute strike handed Ghana a precious lead, but Emmanuel Adebayor emphasized his return to the national team with an equalizer in the 77th minute in the second half.
Togo travel to Uganda in October to face the Uganda Cranes team, that drew 1-1 with Ghana in Kumasi, before defeating Guinea 2-0, courtesy of Godfrey Massa’s brace at Mandela National Stadium, Kampala on Wednesday.
The Black Stars of Ghana also face Guinea next month as they hope to finalise their journey to Morocco for the final tournament. Uganda leads group E with a better goal difference despite having four points from two matches along with Ghana.
