By Alex Osei-Boateng
ACCRA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Ghana got their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers off to a positive start after beating Ethiopia 5-0 in the Group F opener at the Baba Yara sports stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.
Skipper Asamoah Gyan headed home a Thomas Agyapong cross in the 10th minute to put the Black Stars in front, before defender John Boye scored Ghana's second goal in the 15th minute.
Midfielder Ebenezer Ofori made it three for the West Africans with a left-footed screamer just before end of the first half, much to the admiration of the teeming fans.
Debutant Raphael Dwamena completed a brace before 15 minutes into the second half to make it 5 for Ghana and to hand head coach Kwesi Appiah first win in his maiden game after returning to the team last month.
With the win, Ghana goes top of the Group with superior goal difference despite Sierra Leone also defeating Kenya 2-1 in the capital, Freetown on Saturday.
The Black Stars will play Kenya in March next year and then end the first round of the qualifiers against Sierra Leone at home.
Cameroon, winners of the 2017 AFCON hosted by Gabon, will host the 2019 AFCON competition from Jan. 12 to Feb. 3. Enditem
