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World Cup 2022Q: Milovan Rajavac's second Black Stars reign starts with victory against Zimbabwe

By Vincent Ashitey
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Milovan Rajavac's second spell as Black Stars boss started with a win against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier. 

The 67-year-old signed a 1-year renewable contract with the Black Stars in September following the exit of CK Akonnor.

He's made a return to the team after an 11- year absence following his departure in 2010.

And the former Qatar, Algeria and Thailand manager enjoyed the best start possible, after beating the Warriors 3-1 on Saturday.

READ ALSO: World Cup 2022Q: Partey, Ayew among strong line up against Zimbabwe

Milo handed a starting role to Swindon Town shot-stopper Jojo Wollacott.

Daniel Amartey and Baba Rahman occupied the right-back and left-back positions respectively, while Jonathan Mensah partnered Alexander Djiku in defense.

In midfield, Thomas Partey paired with Andre Ayew as the two infront of the back four.

Fatawu Isshaku, Kudus Mohammed and Kamaldeen Suleman were the attacking trio with Jordan leading the line.

Milo had the perfect start he was hoping for when Kudus Mohammed broke the deadlock in the 5th minute.

A good build-up ended at the back of the net when Jordan Ayew set up the ball for the Ajax midfielder who put it beyond the reach of the goalkeeper, Arubi Washington.

Kudus nearly made it two for Ghana but the goalkeeper came to the Warriors rescue in the 12th minute

Ghana thought they had doubled the lead in the closing stages of the first half only for the goal from Kamaldeen to be chalked offside.

The opening 45 minutes ended 1-0 in favour of the four-time AFCON Champions, Ghana.

The Warriors were a different side when the second half began and they restored parity within 3 minutes from the penalty spot.

Alexander Djiku was adjudged to have fouled the Warriors striker Mutizwa Knox. Knowledge Musona made no mistake from the spot as he sent Jojo Wollacott the wrong to even the scores.

The visitors provide Ghana with a scare when Marshall Munetsi's strike came off the woodwork.

Moments later, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey restored the Black Stars lead producing a moment of magic in the 66th minute.  

The midfielder ghosted past his markers before sending a low drive into the net. Andre Ayew put the icing on the cake in the 87th minute.

The Black Stars held onto their two-advantage till Egyptian Referee Mohammed Amin brought proceedings to an end at the Cape Coast Stadium. 

The two teams will meet again for the return fixture in Harare in three days' time.

Meanwhile, South Africa picked up a 3-1 away win against Ethiopia. The win saw them jumped to the summit of Group G with 7 points.

Ghana is placed 2nd with 6 points, Ethiopia 3rd with 3points while Zimbabwe sit bottom of the log with a point.