The Congo RD football team poses for picture during their World Cup 2018 qualifying football match between Tunisia and Congo on September 1, 2017 at the Rades Olympic Stadium in Tunis. / AFP PHOTO / FETHI BELAID
Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey scored a hat-trick as Ghana hammered Congo 5-1 in Brazzaville Tuesday to keep alive their slim 2018 World Cup qualification hopes.
Serbia-based Richmond Boakye bagged a brace as the Black Stars achieved their biggest away winning margin in an eliminator since a 4-0 triumph over Cape Verde 12 years ago.
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Vladis-Emmerson Illoy-Ayyet scored for Congo, who entered the Group E match at Stade Kintele confident of success after holding Ghana 1-1 in Kumasi last Friday.
The crucial goal came two minutes into first-half stoppage time when Partey ran on to a pass and rifled a right-foot shot past goalkeeper Barel Mouko from a tight angle.
It gave Ghana a 3-1 half-time advantage and the lead was rarely threatened in the second half as Congo slumped to a record home defeat in a World Cup qualifier.
Ghana coasted to maximum points despite lacking two injured stalwarts, West Ham United midfielder Andre Ayew and Turkey-based striker Asamoah Gyan.
The three-time World Cup qualifiers hope second-place Egypt and leaders Uganda draw later Tuesday before an expected 70,000 crowd in Mediterranean city Alexandria.
Uganda have seven points and Egypt six, and Ghana five having played one match more, with only the group winners qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Source: G Sport
