AFCON qualifier: Black Stars labour to draw with Uganda

Ghana made an unconvincing start to their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after rallying to draw 1-1 with Uganda on Saturday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The Black Stars lacked the spark that characterized their forays in previous assignments at home and were off colour.

Uganda looked combative in midfield and solid at the back, which was difficult for Asamoah Gyan, leading the attack alongside Abdul Majeed Waris, to break down.

From on the onset it was all about Ghana asking the questions and won a free-kick close to the box when defender deliberately handled the ball.

Gyan took the free kick, but Denis Onyango acrobatically punched that away for a corner-kick.

After 40 minutes, Uganda grew in confidence and went on the attack. Moses Oloya went into the box and cut back the ball, but backtracking Rabiu was around to intercept and avert the danger.

Four minutes later, the Cranes shocked home fans with Tonny Mawejje opening the scoring after connecting a cross from the right.

Mawejje’s goal bound shot took a deflection on the head of John Boye, which rolled past goalkeeper Fatau Dauda.

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s side went into the tunnel at the break the happier of the two sides.

There were no changes after the interval and Ghana continued to press for the equalizer, but all efforts were repelled by the watertight Uganda backline.

After three minutes, Ghana won a penalty after Abdul Majeed Waris was felled inside the box and Andre Ayew converted it expertly on 51 minutes.

Uganda were not dampened by the goal and still looked confident and smashed the side post a couple of minutes later as a shot went through the palms of Dauda.

From there, it was a meandering encounter but few chances were created but Uganda were happy with their display.

It looked like the pre-match atmosphere had a toll on the hosts after fans expressed their anger at the team and threatened to boycott the match.

Ghana must gather momentum and face Togo, who lost 2-1 to Guinea in Casablanca.