Black Stars failed to shine in Johannesburg as Ethiopia gifts South Africa a huge boost
Following a one-all draw in South Africa between the Walias of Ethiopia and the Black Stars of Ghana, South Africa has been granted a big boost to go three points clear at the summit of Group G with a victory against Zimbabwe later today.
Ghana shot into the lead in the 22nd minute when Andre Ayew scored from a free-kick but that was all the Stars could produce with the Ethiopians taking the game to their Ghanaian counterparts and nullifying any efforts from the Stars.
The only barrier between the Ethiopians and an equalizer was Ghana’s goalkeeper Jojo Wollacot who produced impressive saves after the Stars defence was cut open by their Ethiopian attackers.
What looked like an obvious thing soon arrived in the second half with just under 20 minutes to play when the skipper of the Walias, Getane Kebede took advantage of a defensive mishap by Andrew Yiadom to slot past Jojo Wollacott to draw his side level.
A raft of changes was effected by Milovan Rajevac in search of a late winner but none was fruitful enough as the Stars held on to earn a draw which has dented their hopes of qualification to the next stage of the qualifiers.
Though, level on points with their qualification rival, the Bafana Bafana has a game in hand and would give themselves a big boost by grinding out a win against the Warriors of Zimbabwe later today in the Soccer City in South Africa.
Ghana will have the final act of redemption in Cape Coast on Sunday but that could be a little too late having let a big chance slip up against a side that was playing for pride.
By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com
