The senior national soccer team, the Black Stars, came from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw with Uganda’s Cranes in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The match, the first for the Stars after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, was played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, September 6.
Despite a hostile reception at the Stadium, the Stars got off to a promising start with attempts on target well saved by Uganda’s Denis Onyango.
The goalkeeper stood between his goal and the Stars’ attack to keep the match barren for most part of the first half.
However, an attempt on target on the other end in the closing stages of the half by experienced midfielder Tony Mawejje took a wicked deflection to beat Ghana goalie Fatau Dauda.
A few minutes inside the second half, Ghana pulled the equalizer after strike Abdul Majeed Warris was brought down in the goal area, leaving Tunisian referee Med Said Kordi no option than to point to the spot.
Dede Ayew scored the resultant penalty to keep a respectable 1-1 scoreline.
The goal post prevented the Ugandans from going ahead later in the game after a feeble shot went under the arms of Dauda.
The visitors’ coach, Milutin Sredejovic, could not hide his happiness after the 1-1 draw.
“The boys have really proven themselves,” the Serb said after the game, adding that they came with a plan and seemed to have executed it well.
He said they are considered underdogs in the group and to have secured a point from Ghana is no mean an achievement.
“Credit to my players and credit to the [Ugandan] federation.”
Ghana’s Assistant Coach Maxwell Konadu expressed disappointment at the result, pointing out that the hostile spectators had an effect on the team’s performance.
“The important thing is to gather ourselves and put the pieces together,” he said after the game.
Ghana’s next match will be on Wednesday, September 10 against Togo, who lost 1-2 to Guinea on Friday.
Match: 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium
Score: Ghana 1 (A. Ayew 50’), Uganda 1 (Mawejje 45’)