Ghana triumph in Accra

Laryea Kingston scored twice in Ghana's comeback against Benin

Ghana fought back bravely to survive an early scare and beat Benin 4-2 to win the four-nation friendly tournament in Accra on Wednesday.

Midfielder Laryea Kingston, who plays for Scottish side Hearts, scored two late goals to secure the victory for the hosts of next year's Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite the early dominance of the Black Stars, the visitors shocked the home fans on 23 minutes when France-based Stephane Sessegnon scored from the spot.

The Le Mans midfielder sent goalkeeper Sammy Adjei the wrong way after defender Haminu Dramani fouled Alain Gazpoz in the box.

The goal spurred on the Squirrels and they should have doubled their lead two minutes before the interval but the Swedish league's top joint top scorer Razak Omotoyossi headed Abou Maiga's cross well wide.

Maiga also fluffed another scoring opportunity two minutes later when with only Adjei at his mercy, he shot hopelessly wide.

Omotoyossi was not to be denied just after the interval when he dummied two defenders before placing the ball on the blind side of the Ghana goalkeeper.

But the visitors, who were guilty of wasting chances to extend their lead, were eventually punished for their profligate finishing.

The Black Stars pulled one back through striker Junior Agogo on 47 minutes after being set up by Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari.

Muntari could have drawn the Black Stars level in the 62nd minute but Benin keeper Rachid Chitou held firmly after a terrific shot from the edge of the box.

Just as the game threatened to run away from them, the home side showed more urgency in attack.

Their determination paid off on 75 minutes when Kingston slalomed past four defenders before displacing Chitou on for the equaliser.

Ghana went in front nine minutes later when captain Stephen Appiah shook off two defensive tackles before firing in from 25 yards.

Kingston killed off the Squirrels' challenge two minutes later when he scored with the outside of his right foot directly from a free kick at the edge of the box.

Meanwhile, Togo took third place after thrashing the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in Wednesday's other game.

The four-nation tournament is to test Ghana's readiness to host football's Africa Cup of Nations in January.