AFCON qualifiers: Angola hold Ghana to a 1-1 draw in Luanda
Ghana managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers thanks to a crucial equaliser from substitute Osman Bukari.
Palancas Negras started the match brightly as they surged forward in numbers and they fired the first warning when Fredy forced goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a fine save eight minutes into the game.
However, the Black Stars grew gradually into the game with Mohammed Kudus looking lively, but the Angolan defence was able to contain the Ajax Amsterdam star and the score was 0-0 at halftime.
The hosts applied pressure on the Ghanaian defence which saw Daniel Amartey commit a foul in the box and Lucas Joao converted the resultant penalty to hand Angola a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.
Ghana head coach Chris Hughton responded by making changes – introducing four players, including Osman Bukari, who proved to be an inspired substitute when he made it 1-1 with 18 minutes left.
Paintsil also had opportunities to score, hitting the crossbar and forcing a late challenge after being put through on goal by another impressive substitute, Majeed Ashimeru.
Ghana remain at the top of the group with eight points, followed by Central African Republic, who moved to second after back-to-back wins over Madagascar.
Angola drop to third with five points, while Madagascar are out of the race for qualification.
The qualifying campaign will resume in June this year when Ghana take on Madagascar away, while the Central African Republic host Angola’s Palancas Negras.
