Ghana managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers thanks to a crucial equaliser from substitute Osman Bukari.
Angola took the lead with a controversial penalty, but they deserved it after a dominant first-half performance. Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was kept busy in the first half, making several good saves to keep Angola at bay.
After the break, Angola’s Lucas Joao scored from the penalty spot in the 51st minute, following a foul from Ghana’s Daniel Amartey, who was captaining the team in the absence of the unwell Thomas Partey.
Ghana struggled to create chances and looked bereft of ideas in attack, prompting coach Chris Hughton to make attacking substitutions.
Hughton took off Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, and Mohammed Kudus, replacing them with Joseph Paintsil, Inaki Williams, and Osman Bukari. It took only minutes for the substitutes to make an impact, with Paintsil and Bukari combining to level the score. Bukari scored with his first touch in the 72nd minute.
Paintsil also had opportunities to score, hitting the crossbar and forcing a late challenge after being put through on goal by another impressive substitute, Majeed Ashimeru.
Ghana remain at the top of the group with eight points, followed by Central African Republic, who moved to second after back-to-back wins over Madagascar. Angola drop to third with five points, while Madagascar are out of the race for qualification.
