Jordan Ayew fires Black Stars double to keep Afcon hopes alive

A brace from Jordan Ayew helps the Black Stars revive their quest for an eighth successive appearance at the African Cup of Nations finals.

Ghana beat Ethiopia 2-0 at the Addis Ababa stadium in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday afternoon.

Ayew made his return to Kwesi Appiah’s side for the first time since featuring in the Black Stars World Cup qualifying draw with Congo Brazzaville in October 2017.

For the second time in the qualifiers, the Black Stars have proven too strong for the Ethiopians.

The Crystal Palace on-loan attackers scored in the 3rd and 23rd minutes respectively to give his side a two-goal cushion.

The win means they are guaranteed a top spot finish if they can beat Kenya in Ghana march next year even without playing Sierra Leone.

Ghana doubleheader was cancelled due to FIFA’s suspension on Sierra Leone in October.

In the first leg at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana walloped their visitors 5-0 thanks to goals from Asamoah Gyan, John Boye and Ebenezer Ofori, as well as a brace from Rafael Dwamena.

Elsewhere, the Confederation of African Football also cancelled Kenya v Sierra Leone this weekend qualifier. However, the Harambee Stars, are still top of the group, following a back to back victory over Ghana and Ethiopia.