Inaki Williams scores important debut goal for Ghana

Black Stars striker Inaki Williams scored a very important goal for Ghana in Kumasi as he broke his duck for the West African nation. Since making his debut in 2022 ahead of the World Cup, the Spain-born Ghanaian has not been able to find the back of the net and has come under heavy scrutiny both by the media and supporters alike. But on Friday when he did score his debut goal at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, it was a goal that weighed more than just a debut strike.

The Athletic Bilbao forward started the game with Jordan Ayew and Antione Semenyo as part of a front three. The Black Stars laboured to make an impact in the first half but came to life after the break. Inaki Williams who switched roles multiple times in the first half hung on as Chris Hughton’s men pushed for a winner in front of their near-disappointed supporters in a half-filled stadium.

And then came his moment with the last major action of the game as Madagascar thought they were going home with a well-deserved point. The former Spain international connected brilliantly with Gideon Mensah’s cross to send the ball beyond the reach of the impressive Melvin Adrien.

Chris Hugton’s men thus started off their qualifying campaign with the maximum points thanks to Inaki Williams who would be a bad memory for the Barea of Madagascar. The goal also was the second time Ghana scored a last-minute goal at the Baba Yara Stadium in 2023 following Antoine Semenyo’s late strike against Angola in March this year.

Ghana will face off against Group I leaders Comoros next week Tuesday in a top-of-the-table encounter. Meanwhile, Madagascar will hope to get the campaign immediately back on track when they welcome Chad on Monday, November 20.