HT: Ghana 0-0 Uganda
There was growing concern about the pathetic playing surface of the Tamale Sports Stadium ahead of the opening game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Ghana and Uganda.
The Group E had the Cranes and the Black Stars play to a goalless draw in the first stanza of the game that had minimal goal scoring opportunities.
Apart from receiving an invisible yellow, right back Nicholas Wadada was Cranes source of inspiration going forward, on any other given day, the Vipers skipper would have had one of his crosses connected into Ghana’s goal by Farouk Miya.
Ghana came close after 25 minutes but Asamoah Gyan’s effort narrowly missed Onyango and his goal posts.
Three minutes later, Miya pulled off another long range effort but his shot went wide as the Cranes settled in the game.
At the half hour mark both teams had a cooling break, there were growing concern of the hot temperature of the northern town of the Ghana.
Jordan Ayew squandered a glorious opportunity to give Ghana the lead when his left foot failed to make decent contact with Harrison Afful cross that had beaten the entire Cranes back-line.
Uganda’s back-line was leaving dangerously after Murushid Juuko joined Wadada in the referee’s book just after 36 minutes.
Gyan, Mubarak Wakaso and Christian Atsu all got the better of Cranes defense moments before the break but failed to keep it on target much as it looked like Onyango had his goal area covered.
Uganda Cranes XI: Denis Onyango (GK), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Khalid Aucho, Denis Iguma, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Kizito Luwagga and Faruku Miya.
SUBS: Salim Jamal (GK), Benjamin Ochan (GK), Hassan Wasswa, Geoffrey Massa, Yunus Sentamu, Hamis Kizza, Geoffrey Kizito, Godfrey Walusimbi
Ghana Black Stars XI: Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, John Boye, Daniel Amartey, Afriyie Acquah, Mubarak Wakaso, Christian Atsu, Frank Acheampong, Jordan Ayew, Asamoah Gyan
