Ghana and South Africa settled for a 1-1 draw in their international friendly match played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday.
Mubarak Wakaso opened the scoring from the spot by the 38th minute while Ayanda Patosi claimed the equaliser for the hosts seven minutes after the break, following an assist from Sibusiso Vilakazi.
After Friday’s unpalatable goalless home draw against Uganda in the 2018 World Cup qualifying, coach Avram Grant had a quick opportunity to make amends and appease local fans. However, the outcome against Bafana Bafana could not be themed as a bad result, but it might not help matters.
With Kwarasey, Afful, Baba, Amartey, Boye, Wakaso, Atsu, Partey, Waris, Tetteh and Acheampong in the starting XI, Ghana launched a pacy start, with Waris testing South Africa goalkeeper Mhlongo early in the fourth minute.
The hosts quickly recovered from the scary incursion, with midfielder Mahlangu and defender Matlaba powering a drive into Ghana’s area.
John Boye’s intervention saved goalkeeper Kwarasey from conceding by the 12th minute, as the Black Stars reclaimed possession and maintained composure.
Thomas Partey had a good ball with enough space around him but his attempt from range went over South Africa’s post, as the visitors took siege of Bafana area, in a bid to unlock the hermetic defence.
Tetteh had a close range free kick which the opposing defensive wall dealt with successfully.
By the half hour mark, Ghana still had the game under control, but Bafana were attempting counterattacks, which the Stars’ back half always struggled to contain.
Mahlangu and Rodgers had a great combination up field but each time they attempt to direct their finish on target, Ghana’s back line came thwarting.
Patosi claimed South Africa’s first on-target attempt, which Kwarasey blocked with dexterity.
Ghana full-back Afful saw his strike from range parried by South Africa goalkeeper. Moments later, Afful won a penalty for the Black Stars after his was tripled in the box.
Mubarak Wakaso stepped up and transformed the spot kick to put the hosts ahead after 38 minutes.
Bafana’s reaction was immediate but to no avail as the session closed for the break.
David Accam replaced Acheampong in the beginning of second half, with the host team pouring forth with determination.
By the 52nd minute, Ayanda Patosi pulled level for South Africa from a breathtaking assist delivered by Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Christian Atsu curled a corner kick that knocked goalkeeper Mhlongo off balance, but he gathered the effort eventually.
Both sides threw substitutes into the fray, with the Black Stars appearing more determined to claim the winner. However, it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ghana will face Egypt next month in the 2018 World Cup qualifying.
Source: goal.com
