Unpardonable error from the safest pair of hands for the “Walia Ibexes” of Ethiopia, Teklemariam Shanko was enough to hand Ghana Black Stars a 1-0 narrowly win in the Qater 2022 FIFA World Cup ualifiers at Cape Coast Stadium.
The three times finalist of the FIFA World Cup [2006, 2010, 2014] who dominated play in the early stages of the game with several goal scoring opportunities in the first half fielded a starting eleven comprises of foreign players.
The well composed and relaxed Ethiopians side quickly took over possession and moved the ball in and out into Ghana’s territory but the defensive leadership of Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey stood gallantly with goalkeeper Richard Ofori coming out to rescue the home side in few dangerous situations.
Coach Charles Kwabena Akunnor’s men gaining possession nearly came close to the opener through piling up pressure but the Ayew’s brothers, Andrew Ayew and Jordan Ayew saw their shots blocked in the 18th and 28th minutes respectively.
However, Ghana’s- Crystal Palace wing back Jeffrey Schlupp was forced to replace by debutant Daniel Kofi Kyereh after picking up an injury.
Ghana had the opener in the 35th minutes after robust midfielder Wakaso Mubarak received a square pass from the midfield in half way of the Ethiopians and fired a long range.
However, Wakaso’s ambitious strike from the opponents area looked certain to fall into the arms of Shanko but the Ethiopian goalkeeper somehow allowed the ball squirm past him through the legs in what became the decisive goal in the match.
After recess, C.K Akunnor’s gallant men commenced the second department of the game on a positive note with hope’s of extending their lead but to no avail with the formers defensive prowess.
The Ethiopians on the 46th minutes made two quick changes to their squad with goalkeeper Fasil Gebremichael replacing Teklemariam Shanko as well as Tafesse Solomon replaces Mesud Mohammed.
Adding fresh legs in quest for more goals which failed in front of 2,500 fans in the stands at the Cape Coast Stadium, Yaw Yeboah, Emmanuel Lomotey and Joel Fameyeh were all introduced to replaced Kamaldeen, Wakaso and Jordan Ayew.
In the 80th minutes Ethiopia had a total control in Ghana’s half to equalized the deficit but the defenders were up to the task till Morrocan referee Jiyed Redouane brought proceedings to an end.
The game ended 1-0 in favor of the Black Stars despite the Ethiopians dominating possession with 51% as against 49%.
As a result Black Stars tops Group C with 3 points following their victory after Zimbabwe had earlier share spoils in same group G with South Africa who host Ghana at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg in three days time.
