In a high-stakes Serie A clash on Saturday, Ghanaian forward Caleb Ekuban emerged as the hero, delivering a crucial goal that secured Genoa’s 2-1 victory over Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani – Computer Gross Arena.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock despite several attempts. However, Genoa wasted no time after the interval, taking the lead just one minute into the second half through Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj.

Empoli had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 54th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Sebastiano Esposito’s spot-kick went astray, keeping Genoa in front.

Enter Caleb Ekuban. Substituted on in the 63rd minute for Andrea Pinamonti, the 30-year-old Ghanaian wasted no time making his mark. Five minutes later, Ekuban connected with a precise pass from Fabio Miretti, slotting home Genoa’s second goal and what would ultimately be the match-winner.

Though Esposito redeemed himself with a goal in the 74th minute to pull one back for Empoli, Genoa held firm to claim all three points.

Ekuban’s strike marks his first goal of the season in six Serie A appearances, a confidence booster for the former Trabzonspor star. Fellow Ghanaian and Empoli forward Emmanuel Gyasi also featured prominently, playing the full 90 minutes but receiving a yellow card in the 81st minute.