Sudan is hosting a major tournament for the first time since 1970

South Africa made winning a start in their maiden African Nations Championship appearance (CHAN) on Saturday with a 2-1 win over 2009 runners-up Ghana.

The Amabinneplaas rallied from a goal down to win the Group B game in Wad Madany.

Ghana opened the scoring on 18 minutes through midfielder Daniel Coomson.

Second half goals by substitutes Collins Zimba and Leonard Shabangu sealed the win for the South Africans.

But it was the Ghanaians who dominated the early exchanges and took the lead when Coomson headed past South African goalkeeper Shongwe Myron.

Amabinneplaas coach Simon Ngomane brought on Zimba and Shabangu after the break and the changes made the desired impact.

Zimba grabbed the equaliser on the hour mark before Shabangu took advantage of a defensive mix-up to seal the win for South Africa.

In the other Group B game also on Saturday, Niger made history with a 1-0 victory Zimbabwe in Wad Madany.

The West Africans, who are making their first appearance in a major continental tournament, won the game through Adamou Abdoulkader's strike in the 70th minute.

South Africa will play Niger in their next game on Wednesday while Ghana must avoid a defeat against Zimbabwe to stay in the hunt for a place in the next stage of the competition.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version