THERE was only one member of the senior Saints squad in international action on Thursday as Kamaldeen Sulemana starred for Ghana in the Black Stars’ 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory against Angola.

Mohammed Salisu, who has been a regular starter for Ghana in recent months, was left out of the squad entirely for the midweek clash with manager Chris Hughton saying before the match: "Salisu is a doubt for the game because he’s suffered some recent injuries at his club."

Salisu missed the first five games of the Ruben Selles era at Saints due to injury and the manager's preference for Armel Bella-Kotchap and Jan Bednarek at the heart of his defence. But the 23-year-old came off the bench to replace his German teammate against Spurs after Bella-Kotchap suffered a shoulder problem.

Despite playing more than 80 minutes of that 3-3 draw, Ghana boss Hughton deemed Thursday's international against Angola too much for the centre-back as he works towards full fitness.

Standing as the sole flag-bearer for Saints, Kamaldeen did not disappoint. The winger started and played 83 minutes as Ghana were forced to battle for their slender victory.

The only goal of the game came in second half stoppage time when Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo smashed home from close-range to give his nation a crucial three points in the race to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kamaldeen managed to complete eight of eight attempted dribbles while forcing a decent save from Angola goalkeeper Neblu in the second half. The Saints attacker also provided two crosses and completed 91% of his passes.

Not a regular fixture of Ghana’s World Cup campaign, Kamaldeen’s impressive performance for Hughton should give him a real chance of nailing down a consistent starting role.

Ghana are next in action on Monday at 5PM when they travel to Angola for the reverse fixture of Thursday's contest.