2021 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana Qualify for AFCON Despite Draw Against South Africa

Ghana Black Stars squad

Johannesburg, South Africa//-Ghana have qualified for the Nations Cup in Cameroon 2022 after a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg against South Africa. 

Ajax star Mohammed Kudus’ early second half strike was cancelled by Percy Tau as Ghana earned a vital draw to seal qualification with a game to spare.

Ghana began the game slowly and were nearly punished after a brilliant piece of play by the South Africans found Thapelo Morena on the right but his effort only found the side net.

Minutes later Sfiso Hlanti pulled out a great save from Ghana goalkeeper Razak Abalora with a ferocious left foot strike.

Morena again had another chance after Brighton forward Percy Tau has taken on two defender before laying the pass to the right back who fired wide.

Ghana’s only effort on target came after Emmanuel Gyasi took on a South African defender to roll the ball to Afriyie Acquah who fired directly to the goalkeeper.

South Africa were forced into an early change after Andile Jali got injured and was replaced by Ben Motshwari.

Ghana effected an early change in the second half with Osman Bukari replacing Kwame Opoku.

And just three minutes into the second half Ajax midfielder, who was Ghana’s most liveliest player from the first half opened the scoring with a beautiful strike.

But the lead lasted only three minutes after Gamildien’s incisive pass found Percy Tau who slotted home cnly to level the scores.

The South Africans regained control, creating decent chances but it was the Ghanaians who had another fine opportunity as Baba Rahman found Acquah whose long strike slowly went wide.

Coach C.K Akonnor replaced forward Caleb Ekuban with Emmanuel Lomotey as the clock ticked down.

Debutant Emmanuel Gyasi was then replaced by Emmanuel Boteng in the final minute.

The Black Stars held on to leave the FNB stadium with a draw.

Ghana’s final AFCON clash with Sao Tome becomes formality

Ghana’s final Africa Cup of Nations qualify against Sao Tome has become a mere formality after the African giants secured qualification after a pulsating 1-1 stalemate against South Africa on Thursday evening.

The Black Stars are through to the tournament in Cameroon with a game left to spare.

Despite being tied on points with South Africa, the Ghanaians secure booking as they hold a better a better head-to-head record against both South Africa and Sudan going into the final match.

That means the results between the Bafana Bafana and Sudan on Sunday won’t affect Ghana’s chances in the worst possible scenario of a defeat to Sao Tome at home.

The situation means Ghana’s final group C match against Sao Tome becomes a mere formality with the result being inconsequential to their qualification ambition.

https://ghanasoccernet.com/

 

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