- Ghana 1-1 Congo Brazzaville
Ghana’s dream of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup suffered a massive blow following a 1-1 home draw with Congo on Friday.
A first half sublime finish from Osmanlispor striker Thievy Bifouma gave Congo the lead but Thomas Partey resqued a point for the hosts four minutes from time.
A miscommunication between Daniel Amartey and Richard Ofori nearly gifted Congo inside four minutes but Richard Ofori came to Ghana’s rescue with a clearance.
However, it was not long before the visitors benefited from Joseph Attamah’s error to take the lead through Bifouma’s low drive which was the difference between the two sides in the opening half.
Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew and Christian Atsu all came close but Congo goalkeeper Mosiah Mouko Barek was up to the task not until the 86th minute when he was beaten by Partey.
It was too little to late for Ghana to find the winner despite the backing of the home crowd.
The Black Stars remained third in Group E with 2 points, 5 shy of leaders Uganda and 4 behind second-placed Egypt after three rounds.
Ghana will need to beat Congo in the return leg next week and hope the match between Egypt and Uganda in Alexandria plays out in their favour to have any outside chance of qualifying.
