The Black Stars of Ghana failed to record two wins on the spin in their AFCON qualifying campaign as they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by the Central African Republic(CAR) in Angola today.
The Black Stars commenced the game brightly in the opening stages but had nothing to show for their dominance.
Les Fauves, who adopted the Estadio 11 de Novembre, Luanda in Angola as their home venue for the game after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed their favourite stadium, Barthelemy Loganda unfit for the game, fancied sitting back and catching the Black Stars on the counter-attack.
This nearly worked to perfection for them in the opening stages when Edmund Addo’s sloppy pass put the Ghanaians in danger. However, St. Gallen goalie, Lawrence Ati-Zigi timely intervened to punch a dangerous cross from the left-hand side of the CAR’s attack away for a corner kick in favour of the hosts; giving Ghana a relief.
The Black Stars broke the game’s virginity in the 17th minute through Mohammed Kudus’ effervescent strike. Otto Addo’s charges continued stringing passes together in search of a cushioning but their sluggish attack meant they could not increase the tally.
Having failed to create a meaningful goal-scoring opportunity despite enjoying plenty of possession, the Black Stars allowed the Les Fauves to get back into the game on the stroke of halftime. Coach Raoul Savoy’s men pegged the Ghanaians back as Karl Namganda beat Lawrence Ati-Zigi from close range in the 41st minute following a blunder from the Black Stars’ midfield.
The West African giants returned from the break looking for the winner but lacked the spark in attack to be able to break down a formidable CAR’s defence. Skipper Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus both went close to scoring in the dying embers of the encounter but that wasn’t to be as the hosts held on to snatch a vital point from under the noses of the Black Stars.
Ghana still lead Group E with four points and three goals after Angola were also held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar today.
The Black Stars are back in action in September when they face off with Angola in a double header.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Elijah Beyeni Yenibey|Bolgatanga
