Ghana triumphant on Essien return
Reuters - Friday 03 June 2011, 20:33
KUMASI - Michael Essien marked his
international return from an 18-month absence by playing a
leading role in Ghana's 3-1 African Nations Cup qualifying
victory over Congo on Friday.
The Chelsea midfielder, back for the first time since the
2010 finals after ending a self-imposed exile, set up an early
chance with a rasping shot that the visiting goalkeeper spilled.
Ghana struck two quickfire goals midway through the second
half thanks to Isaac Vorsah and Prince Tagoe.
Matt Moussilou took advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper
Richard Kingson to pull a goal back for Congo with 15 minutes
left but Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu made it 3-1 to Ghana with a
long-range shot.
Leaders Ghana have 10 points from four games in Group I
followed by Sudan on seven. Second from bottom Congo, who have
three points, can no longer qualify.
Sudan visit Swaziland on Sunday.