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A 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda has prevented Ghana’s Black Stars from qualifying for the AFCON for the first time since 2004.
Michael Baidoo and Razak Simpson, defenders for Nations FC, were given their first debuts for the Black Stars when Otto Addo made changes to the starting eleven for Ghana’s most recent match against Sudan.
In addition, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen was trusted in goal rather than Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Following a foul on Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew gave the Black Stars the lead with a spectacular free kick from 35 yards out.
After 19 minutes, the Leicester City player chose to push past the West Ham United striker and beat the goalie after standing behind the ball with Kudus.
After Gideon Mensah committed a foul in the penalty box, the referee issued a penalty, and Ghana was found wanting minutes later.
But Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, who was playing for the national team for the first time, came through to save M’Bala Nzola from the penalty spot.
The Angolan defense stopped an attempt by Baidoo in the 44th minute, giving Ghana the lead going into halftime.
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was replaced at the beginning of the second half by Ebenezer Annan, and Baidoo was also substituted with Ransford Yeboah.
Following a strong first-half defense of the wide areas, Angola grabbed the equalizer when the Black Stars defense briefly failed.
After entering the game in the second half, Zini was left unguarded in the box and beat Manaf in Ghana’s goal after Milson’s cross.
In the 71st minute, as the Black Stars were still trying to find their second goal of the match, Kudus had a shot that missed the post.
A few minutes later, Jordan Ayew gave the Black Stars a fantastic opportunity in Ransford Yeboah, but his close-range attempt was saved.
In the last moments, Ghana needed Manaf Nurudeen once more after he made an incredible stop to deny Angola what appeared to be the inevitable winner.
Ghana’s last match in Accra is against Niger on Monday.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
