South Africa hold Ghana in pre-AFCON friendly

Published on: 15 January 2012

Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in their pre-Africa Cup of Nations warm-up in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The Black Stars fell behind in the opening stages of the match when goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey underrated a long-range shot.

Thami Sangweni's piledriver from 25 yards fooled the Norway-based goalkeeper giving the third Bafana Bafana side the lead.

But the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals responded almost immediately with the leveller from Inter Milan star Sulley Muntari.

The midfielder, who was deployed just behind young striker Jordan Ayew, headed in from Samuel Inkoom's beautiful cross from the right.With lead striker Asamoah Gyan lacking the required match fitness, coach Goran Stevanovic gave youngster Jordan Ayew a start.

But the start of other players in the match also gave an indication of which players the Serbian coach is contemplating using in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations.

France-based John Boye partnered captain John Mensah in central defence with the Serbian coach clearly planning for the absence of Isaac Vorsah who will be absent in their opening game against Botswana because of a suspension.

With Derek Boateng playing alongside Agyemang Badu, it is clear that the duo will be paired at the heart of the midfield.

Genoa teenager Masawudu Alhassan was also picked for the left back position and it means he is the favourite to play in that position at the Nations Cup.

Stevanovic shuffled his pack in the second half and introduced Daniel Opare, Lee Addy, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Charles Takyi, Anthony Annan, Mohammed Abu, Kwadwo Asamoah and Prince Tagoe could not snatch the winner.They piled the pressure and striker Tagoe scored a goal which was disallowed by referee Daniel Bennett.Ghana will wrap up their preparations with another friendly against Premier Soccer League side Platinum Stars on Wednesday.The Black Stars open their Nations Cup campaign against debutants Botswana on 24 January in Franceville, Gabon.

Ghana's starting line up:

Adam Kwarasey, John Paintsil, Masawudu Alhassan, John Boye, John Mensah, Derek Boateng, Samuel Inkoom, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Jordan Ayew, Sulley Muntari, Andre Ayew

Subs:  Daniel Agyei, Daniel Opare, Lee Addy, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Charles Takyi, Anthony Annan, Mohammed Abu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Prince Tagoe, Asamoah Gyan, Ernest Sowah.

Source: MTNFootball.com

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