Ghana’s Black Stars were given a scare ahead of their important FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali in Bamako after they managed a 2-1 victory over the Cranes of Uganda in an international friendly in Tamale last Sunday.
Coach Milovan Rajevac used the match to assess the battle-readiness of his young generation of players in the absence of key stars like Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.
The Ugandans exposed Ghana’s defensive lapses, as lack of concentration and the inability of the Ghanaian defenders to co-ordinate effectively gave the visitors some scoring opportunities which were wasted.
By the 30th minute the visitors had taken control of midfield action and gave Ghana a scare as they made numerous forays into the Stars’ goal area, Geoffrey Nassa, Patrick Ochan and Steven Benew leading the Cranes attack.
John Paintsil, who captained the Stars, had to use his rich experience to rescue Ghana, as team-mates Jonathan Quartey and Isaac Buabeng were often caught off-guard and unable to deal with the attack.
However, the Stars later regained their composure and turn the heat on the visitors until striker Ernest Papa Arko of Egyptian side Al-Gaish connect home a long ground shot on the 34 minute.
The stadium was later plunged into darkness for almost eight minutes as a result of power failure during the recess, causing agitation among the capacity crowd including Youth and Sports Minister, Alhjai Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Nayina and his assistant, Mr Moses Mabingba, and GFA Vice President, Mr Fred Pappoe.
The introduction in the second half of Haminu Dramani and Prince Tagoe brought gave Ghana’s attack more cutting edge as Dramani led the charge and made several incursions into Uganda’s goal area to the delight of the spectators.
Tagoe also messed up a number of scoring opportunities on the 48th, 60th, 65th and 82nd minutes by either playing the ball wide or shooting directly into in the hands of goalkeeper, Dennis Oyango, who later stood between his side an more goals.
Uganda’s problems were worsened on the 53rd minute after Burkinabe referee, Parre Lassine, dismissed the visitors’ Scottish coach, Robert Williamson, for openly challenging the referee’s decisions.
Youngsters Harrison Afful and Qatar-based striker Opoku Agyeman made huge impression on the match as they exhibited good movements and impressive ball control to the delight of fans.
On the 74th minute nimble-footed former Asante Kotoko midfielder, Yussif Chibsah, who now plies his trade in Denmark, made a big statement on his international comeback after scoring Ghana’s second goal from a long shot.
The Cranes however remained unyielding and took the fight to the Ghanaians in a determined effort to reduce the deficit.
Their resilience and hard work were rewarded on the 89th minute when Joseph became more unyielding to concede additional goals as they kept on holding to the ball and daring for an equaliser.
They deservedly pulled a goal back on the 87th minute by Sunkuma Geoffery.
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