The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Uganda hold Ghana after escaping red card
Ghana 0 Uganda 0
Uganda defender Nicholas Wadada was yellow-carded twice but not sent off as his team forced a shock 0-0 away draw against Ghana Friday in a World Cup qualifier.
Although it looked like right-back Wadada was cautioned in each half at the Tamale Sports Stadium in northern Ghana, the Sudanese referee did not flash the expected red card after what many thought was a second booking. Video footage indicated the referee had only spoken to Wadada, and not given a card in the first half.
The Ugandan battled against the pace of winger Frank Acheampong until substituted soon after his lucky escape, and both incidents were the result of illegal tackles from behind.
Ghana-Uganda ref confirmed to Sudanese press that the 1st “yellow card” given to Wadada was just an oral warning.https://t.co/sw3bMQM4XO
— Lotfi Wada (@LotfiWada) October 10, 2016
A Fifa website report of the opening group-phase match in Africa confirmed that Wadada was yellow-carded after 23 and 55 minutes.
Ghana are ranked 22 places above Uganda in the world and were expected to make a winning start as they seek to emulate African record-holders Cameroon and reach four consecutive World Cup tournaments.
Following a slow start in 35 degrees celsius (95 fahrenheit) heat, Ghana controlled possession and had the best chances to win the match in Group E, which includes Congo Brazzaville and Egypt.
Unmarked Jordan Ayew from English second-tier club Aston Villa blazed a far-post volley wide in the opening half and Christian Atsu was also off target after dribbling past several defenders.
Daniel Amartey from reigning English Premier League champions Leicester City had a second-half header from a corner brilliantly tipped over by Uganda goalkeeper and captain Dennis Onyango.
Group E
P W D L F A PTS
Egypt 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Ghana 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Uganda 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Congo 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
Note: group winners qualify for 2018 World Cup in Russia (read preview)
