By Agency Report

Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON champions Algeria on Wednesday signalled their intent to retain the coveted trophy they won 2 years ago as they humiliated Ghana 3-0 in a Pre-AFCON Warm match
The defeat also meant that the Dessert Warriors have extended their historic unbeaten run to 40 matches.

The dominant Desert Foxes were in charge of the game despite having some new faces in their starting line-up.

Black Stars coach Milovan Rajaevac also fielded a light-weight squad which include newcomers Edmund Addo, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and goalkeeper Abdul Manaf Nurudeen.

Adam Ounas turned Gideon Mensah inside out before smashing in powerfully at the near post which slipped through the hands of Nurudeen.

The four time winners Ghana could have snatched the equalizer before the 15th minute mark after going on a fast break initiated by Arsenal star man Thomas Partey.

Joseph Paintsil was released on the left flank but the Genk winger could not find any target man upfront with a poorly delivered cross.

Algeria came close to doubling their lead in the 35th minute but Baghdad Bounedjah’s stretched leg on a free-kick went side.

Ghana’s back line was completely beaten as the Al Sadd forward beat the offline trap to connect Yacine Brahimi’s effort.

Substitute Benjamin Tetteh was put through clear on goal and the Malatyaspor striker pulled the trigger but goalkeeper Rais M’bolhi kept it out with his leg.

Algeria finally got their second goal after 73 minutes when Youcef Atal’s cross from the right was turned into the net by Jonathan Mensah.

Five minutes later, substitute Islam Slimani had the easiest task of connected home the third goal after substitute goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi failed to collect a cross from the right.

Ghana will face Morocco in their first Group C opener on 10 January, 2022 at the Stade de Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.