AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Ghana Fight Back To Claim 1-1 Draw Against Angola

Angola and Ghana drew 1-1 at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Monday evening in a thrilling Group J match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Palancas Negras started brightly and pushed forward in numbers with Fredy forcing Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a fine save in the eighth minute of the game.

However, the Black Stars gradually grew into the game with Mohammed Kudus looking lively, but the Angolan defence was able to contain the Ajax Amsterdam star and the score remained 0-0 at halftime.

The hosts came out strong in the second half and applied pressure on the Ghanaian defence, which led to a penalty being awarded after Daniel Amartey fouled an Angolan player in the box.

Lucas Joao converted the resultant penalty to hand Angola a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.

Ghana head coach Chris Hughton quickly made changes, introducing four players, including Osman Bukari, who proved to be an inspired substitute when he made it 1-1 with 18 minutes left in the match.

The goal ensured that the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Black Stars retaining their spot at the top of the group standings - a point above second-placed Central African Republic and three points above third-placed Angola.

The AFCON qualifying campaign will resume in June this year when Ghana take on Madagascar away, while the Central African Republic host Angola's Palancas Negras.