The Black Stars needed a victory to keep pace with African Cup of Nations Group F leaders Kenya, and they got it in Addis Ababa, thanks to Jordan Ayew’s brace.

Both of Ghana’s goals came in the first half, with Magpies winger Atsu starting for Kwesi Appiah’s men before being withdrawn with quarter of an hour remaining.

The win means Atsu’s side are now one point behind Kenya, who they must beat to secure qualification for the finals in their final group game.

Elsewhere, Magpies under-23s midfielder Mo Sangare was an unused substitute for Liberia as they sealed a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe on Sunday.

The 19-year-old watched on as William Jebor’s winner in Monrovia lifted Liberia to second in Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Group G.

In the UEFA Nations League, defender Fabian Schär missed out on Switzerland’s remarkable 5-2 win over Belgium due to suspension.

Belgium had led through Thorgan Hazard’s brace, but Haris Seferovic’s hat-trick, a penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez and Nico Elvedi’s strike gave Switzerland an incredible comeback victory.

Schär, though, missed out as he was serving a one-match suspension.

Other United players, including Salomón Rondón, DeAndre Yedlin, Martin Dúbravka and Freddie Woodman, are set to feature for their countries in the coming days.