Ghana at Risk of Missing AFCON 2023 After Goalless Draw against Madagascar

• The Black Stars have been held by Madagascar in the AFCON qualifiers
• The four-time African champions will have to wait until the final day to secure their qualification
• Ghana will face the Central African Republic in the final group game

Ghana's Africa Cup of Nations qualification has been pushed until the final day following a goalless draw game in Antananarivo against Madagascar.

The Black Stars maintain their place at the top of Group E but will have to beat the Central African Republic to confirm their place in the tournament next year.

Only two points separates the top three sides in the group, which means any of Ghana, Angola and the CAR can qualify for Ivory Coast 2023.

Meanwhile, in an exciting opening, the Black Stars came close after just two minutes following a freekick from Jordan Ayew which was bundled out by the defence of Madagascar.

Black Princesses Goalie Afi Amenyeku Produces Heroic Performance as Ghana Beat Nigeria to Win WAFU

Football

The Crystal Palace forward was then sent through few minutes later from a pass by debutant Patrick Kpozo but the goalkeeper of Madagascar was quick to react.

The best chance for the host came in the 15th minute after Dorian Betrand sent in a low cross which found nobody in the box.

Moments later, Kamaldeen Sulemana saw his sweet curler miss the post by inches before KRC Genk star Joseph Paintsil fired from a rebound right on the half hour mark.

The dangerous Betrand found Carulos Andriamatsinorom on the left to give Ghana a scare but the last touch was poor.

Jordan Ayew sent in a beautiful cross from a freekick which was met by the his senior brother, Andre Ayew, just before half time.

The home side returned from the break very determined and almost broke the deadlock following a spell of pressure on Ghana.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey forced a save from the Madagascar goalkeeper from a set piece.

Bad day for Nigerians as Flying Eagles crash out at the World Cup after loss against South Korea

Football

Sulemana was replaced by Ernest Nuamah, who was making his debut, as the Black Stars looked for the opener.

Later in the game, Osman Bukari replaced Joseph Painstil and had the chance to get the winner for the Black Stars but his control eluded him.

The Black Stars will face the Central African Republic in September for a place at AFCON 2023.

Hughton weary over Madagascar threat

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton believes Madagascar will give Ghana a tough game in the penultimate Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Antananarivo.

The four-time African champions need at least a point to seal their qualification to the tournament in Ivory Coast next year.

However, standing between them and a return to the competition is the Island nation.