AFCON 2023 Q: Uninspiring Stars held to a goalless draw in Antananarivo
Ghana’s Black Stars produced a shambolic and catastrophic performance against the Barea of Madagascar on Sunday, June 18, 2023, as they drew goalless in their match day five of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ghana started the game with a normal tempo with some good passes at the back but rarely disturbed the opponent’s defense as they lacked the cutting edge in front of the goal.
The Stars were unable to penetrate the back line of the Barea of Madagascar throughout the first 45 minutes of the match and failed to manage a single shot on target with few chances being created by the team.
Madagascar had their opportunities in the first half of the match on the counter but couldn’t trouble Ghana’s Goalie Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
In the second half of the match, Madagascar started well and created a few openings in the game but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Osman Bukari had an opportunity to shoot from inside the box to give Ghana the lead but the substitute failed to aim for goal and eventually lost the opportunity to put Ghana in front.
There were few chances in the game but Madagascar kept Ghana’s Goalie busy in the second half anytime they had a chance but couldn’t get past the Ghana shot-stopper.
Ghana must beat Central Africa Republic in September to secure passage to the next Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Côté d’Ivoire next year, January.
Mustapha Hadji – Ahotor Sports Desk
