The Black Stars of Ghana secured a vital point away against South Africa in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier to seal qualification to the next edition of the African Cup of Nations.
Mohammed Kudus goal in the opening minutes in the second half was cancelled by South Africa’s Percy Tau as the game ended 1-1 at the FNB Stadium.
The Black Stars and Bafana Bafana were both levelled on points going into the game, for Ghana they needed to avoid defeat in the game to seal qualification while South Africa needed a win against Ghana to enhance their qualification chances in the last game of the qualifiers against Sudan.
With a superior head to head advantage, Ghana could still finish second even if they lose their last game to Sao Tome on Sunday with the winner of Sudan and South Africa game on Sunday topping Group C.
The South African dominated play in the first half but failed to put the ball at the back of the net.
Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalorah came up with a brilliant save in the 19th minute to prevent the home side from taking the lead.
The Stars were poor in the first half losing a lot of possession, which resulted in a quick substitution as Kwame Opoku was sacrificed after half time.
Ajax star Mohammed Kudus who was Ghana’s best player in the game scored in the 49th minute to put the Black Stars in the lead.
The youngster outwitted his marker and placed the ball at the right corner of the post to give the home side the lead.Bafana Bafana reacted after the opening goal and got the equalizer through Brighton winger Percy Tau in the 52nd minute.
The South Africans pushed forward to score a second goal but debutant Ismail Ganiu was brilliant in defence for the Black Stars.
Watch Highlights of the game below:
? ??????????:
?? South Africa 1-1 Ghana ??
The Black Stars bag their #TotalAFCON qualification after a 1-1 draw ✅#TotalAFCONQ2021 | @ghanafaofficial | @BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/rbMMBrF6g6
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 25, 2021