Angola 1:1 Ghana: Five Things We Learnt From Ghana’s Fightback Draw in Luanda

• Ghana clawed from a goal down to secure a vital draw at Angola
• Super-sub Osman Bukari scored within 30 seconds after he was introduced as a second-half substitute
• The results keep Ghana at the summit of the table with eight points

Chris Hughton continued his unbeaten run as Black Stars manager as his side salvaged a draw from a losing position.

Hughton's charges conceded the game's first goal via the penalty spot when Lucas Joao put the home side in the lead.

However, the Black Stars had other ideas, as Red Star Belgrade winger Osman Bukari scored with his first touch.

Sports Brief takes a look at the five things we learnt from Ghana's 1-1 stalemate with Angola.

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Football

Chris Hughton not afraid of bold calls

The former Newcastle United and Brighton manager has proven to be a man of his own since assuming the role as Black Stars coach.

Hughton dropped captain Andre Ayew in his first game last Thursday, which ended in a slim victory for the four-time African champions.

In the reverse fixture, the 64-year-old rang the changes to the squad again, replacing Athletic Bilbao star Inaki Williams with Antoine Semenyo, who scored the winner in the first leg.

He did not hesitate in withdrawing ''starboy'' Mohammed Kudus as he went in search of the equalizer.

Ghana's strong bench comes in handy

Hughton's predecessors were previously slammed for failing to read the game in order to make effective changes to the side during games.

But the former Republic of Ireland international appears to have arrested those demons, with all his substitutions across the doubleheader playing crucial roles in the four points accrued.

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In the first leg staged in Kumasi, his introduction of Antoine Semenyo turned the destiny of the game in favour of Ghana.

The reverse tie in Luanda was no different, with two substitutes, Joseph Paintsil and Osman Bukari, combining to rescue a draw for the Black Stars.

Black Stars still goal shy

Ghana has long been tagged as a one-goal project side since the era of Milovan Rajevac, literally struggling for goals. Under the reign of Chris Hughton, it has not been any different.

In his first two games as coach of the Black Stars, his side has managed two goals, averaging a goal per game.

Despite the exciting artillery up front comprising Mohammed Kudus, Osman Bukari, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Inaki Williams, Ghana dilly-dallied in the final third.

They appeared lost and clueless in front of the Angolan goal.

Set piece struggles

Dead ball situations have proven to be the country's Achilles Heel since time immemorial. Due to the technical abilities of Ghana's nimble-footed attackers, set pieces are a permanent feature in their games.

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However, the Black Stars have struggled to make effective use of set pieces. The story was no different across both legs, as most of the dead ball situations went wayward.

Partey was missed

The Arsenal midfielder was conspicuously missing from Ghana's reverse fixture against the Palancras Negras of Angola on Monday, March 27.

After delivering a masterclass in Ghana's slim win, the 29-year-old former Atletico Madrid star was expected to produce a similar dose of his brilliance in the heart of the midfield.

However, he could not feature in the game. In his absence, Edmund Addo and Abdul Salis Samed deputized for him. His progressive passes and occasional shots from distance were sorely missed by Ghana.

Addo was put in Partey-like situations on several counts but fumbled with his efforts. The introduction of Majeed Ashimeru in the second half compensated for Partey's loss.

Super-sub Osman saves Ghana

Sports Brief earlier reported that Osman Bukari needed only sixty seconds to make an impact after scoring immediately following his introduction in the game against Angola.

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The Black Stars conceded early in the second half after Reading striker Lucas Joao scored from the penalty spot.

The hosts started the game brightly, with midfielder Fredy testing Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi from long range after just eight minutes.