A lose touch by Isinde was capitalized by Asamoah Gyan in the box who was brought down by the Ugandan defender. Andre Ayew, just like in the opener against Senegal in 2015, stepped up and scored.

The only difference between Equatorial Guinea 2015 and Gabon was that, Ghana held on to that goal to pick three priceless points as they begin the quest for an elusive AFCON title.

That was the defining moment of a game of two halves as Ghana showed their pretty and dogged side in either half.

Avram Grant started eight members of the team who played against Ivory Coast in the final but it was one of the three new faces, Thomas Partey, who put up a dominant display in the middle of the field driving the team forward and tacking efficiently.

Ghana dominated the first half and should have been up by at least two goals in the opening half hour as 2015 MVP, Christian Atsu terrorized Joseph Ochaya and the Uganda defence.

The Newcastle man was constantly isolated as he cut in onto his favorite left foot but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping by Dennis Onyango kept Ghana at bay.

Atsu played a delicious ball for Gyan who headed wide. Ghana continued to dominate in the half reacting first to all the loose balls and having total control of the game. They were duly rewarded when Asamoah Gyan’s persistence won the Black Stars a penalty which was comfortably converted by Dede Ayew.

Avram: We need to see on Baba. It is 50-50 for now. #joyafcon pic.twitter.com/iQtP05SvqI

— #JoySports 99.7FM (@JoySportsGH) January 17, 2017

There was however a blow for the team as left back Baba Rahman pulled up and was substituted by Frank Acheampong.

The game seemed to waken up the Cranes who took control of the game for the latter stages of the first half and the entirety of the second half.

⚽️possession
Ghana 49%. Uganda 51%
Total shots
Ghana. 10. Uganda 12
Chances created
Ghana.28 Uganda 31 #joyafcon pic.twitter.com/S15OqZCXwj

— #JoySports 99.7FM (@JoySportsGH) January 17, 2017

Avram Grant reacted to the dominance of the Cranes by bringing in Emmanuel Agyeman Badu for Asamoah Gyan and Afiryie Acquah for Jordan Ayew to see out the game.

This is the first opening day victory for Ghana since 2012 when they beat Botswana 1-0.

Thre points in the bag for Ghana who now play Mali at 16:00 at the same venue.

Ghana began in 2015 with a penalty and lost,went ahead to lose final on pens. In 2017, we begin with a penalty and win.Good omen? #joyafcon pic.twitter.com/qVo2Hx8cxu

— #JoySports 99.7FM (@JoySportsGH) January 17, 2017