Match Report –Black Stars of Ghana struggles to beat The Walias of Ethiopia in Cape Coast
The Black Stars of Ghana began life to the 2022 FIFA World cup in Qatar on a brighter note with a slim victory over the Walias of Ethiopia in a tight game that saw Mubarak Wakaso produce a magical goal in Cape Coast.
Having heard of an earlier draw game between the other group opponents South Africa and Zimbabwe, the B;lack Stars were under pressure to win to get to the top of the table.
The Black Stars who were playing at their favorite Cape Coast Stadium did npt prove their superiority over the East Afrcan former Power house, giving them lots of space in the middle of the pitch to enjoy play.
It was the double midfield pivot of Mubarak Wakaso and Iddrisu Baba who had to track the opponents down, forcing them to play wide off the field.
Despite their dominance of the game in the first 20 minutes, the Ethiopians failed to cause any problems for the black Stars defence with Andy Yiadom, Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku, and Baba Abdul Rahman enjoying a good game all evening.
The Black Stars went close to the defence of the away side, but Jordan Ayew partnering brother Andre Ayew did not show any aggressive attempt to get goals to unsettle their guest.
With 22 minutes of game played, the Black Stars made their first attempt with captain Andre Ayew trying to get the back of the of the Ethiopians his Nice turn into the opponents half but his strike was blocked.
Ghana was dealt a heavy blow when winger Jeffery schlupp was substituted for picking a hamstring in the 25th minute, new boy Daniel Kofi Kyere replaced the Crystal Palace man.
There was no clear moment for both sides until the 35th minute when Andy Yiadom received a pass from captain Andre Ayew, turned around to lay a sweet pass to Mubarak Wakaso who then released a stupendous shot from 25 yards straight into the goal area with goalkeeper Teklemariam Shanko failing to grab it to allow the ball to role pass his legs to break the deadlock.
The first half of the game ended with non of the sides making any meaningful attempt at goal.
Back into the second half and Ghana would be the first to press, but a Jordan Ayew shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Ghana came so close to score in the 67th minute when Daniel Kofi Kyereh broke on the counter and tried to find Dede Ayew for a tap in but the ball went wide.
Substitute Yaw Yeboah came close again in the 77th minute with a long strike but the goalkeeper punched the ball for a rebound towards Andre Ayew whose strike was blocked.
with only 5 minutes remaining in regulation time, the Wallia Ibex of Ethiopia picked up their game pushing to get the equalizer, but a shot in the penalty box was saved by goalkeeper Richard Ofori with Daniel Amartey pushing the rebound to corner.
The resultant corner kick turned a counter attack for Ghana with Jordan Ayew running solo to the goal area of the opponent, his pass to Yaw Yeboah was pushed out for goal kick to the Ethiopians.
The two sides failed to produce any other great moments in the game, forcing referee Redoune from Morocco to bring the game to an end.
Credit: 442gh.com
