DRAW: Ghana’s Black Stars frustrate Uganda Cranes

FT:  Uganda ?? 0 Ghana ?? 0

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Cranes were held goalless by Ghana’s Black Stars in a Group E 2018 World Cup qualifier Saturday.

Soccer governing body FUFA had promised each player a bonus of $3000 (SH10.8m) for victory, but Ghana Black Stars matched the hosts for most of the game, to get a result which virtually eliminates both sides from contention.

The game ended in controversial fashion, as Ghana put the ball in the net but referee Daniel Bennet ruled the “goal” offside. The Ghanains protested, and at the post match press conference coach Kwasi Appiah was not impressed.

“Our goal was cancelled I do not know why. I do not like criticising referees but for the game to grow in Africa, we need good referees,” coach Appiah said.

Uganda coach Moses Basena said the team had problems going forward, losing many balls that slowed down their attack options. “We are dissapointed with the result, but we are happy the way we worked. There were people doubting our abilities, but we showed we can take on the best on the continent,” he said.

Egypt now have one step in the Russia World Cup finals. They host Congo Sunday.

Ghana’s controversial goal scored in stoppage time against @UgandaCranes. Do you think the goal would have stood or rightly cancelled? ? pic.twitter.com/0qazmeZjBR

— Kawowo Sports (@kawowosports) October 7, 2017

Goalkeeper Dennis Onyango slammed the poor state of the pitch, saying it played a big part in the result. He also blamed the poor pitch for the ball that hit him, went back into play in added time and was scored but disallowed for offside.

“How can the national team play a crucial match on a village pitch. It shows how seriously we take the national team,” he said.

Mandela National Stadium hosted a crusade two days before the game.

#UGAGHA Tweets

CRANES LINEUP

18 Denis Onyango
14 Nico Wadada
15 Godfrey Walusimbi
16 Hassan Wasswa
5 Isaac Isinde
12 Denis Iguma
6 Tonny Mawejje
10 William Kizito Luwagga
17 Faruku Miya
11 Derrick Nsibambi
7 Emmanuel Okwi

SUBS
1 Benjamin Ochan
19 Ismail Watenga
21 Timothy Awani
13 Savio Kabugo
4 Ivan Ntege
20 Isaac Muleme
03 Tom Masiko
22 Muzamir Mutyaba
23 Milton Karisa
3 Bernard Muwanga,
9 Geofrey Serunkuma
Edrisa Lubega

GHANA
1 Richard OFORI (GK)
4 Daniel Opare
17 Lumor AGBENYENU
18 Daniel AMARTEY
19 Nicholas OPOKU
13 Alfred DUNCAN
14 Kingsley Sarfo
8 Ebenezer OFORI
20 Richmond Yiadom
5 Thomas PARTEY
22 Frank Acheampong

Standings Group E

EGY – 9pts

UGA – 8pts

GHA – 6pts

CGO – 1

#WCQ: Make or break for Uganda Cranes vs Ghana https://t.co/guZntBovZE pic.twitter.com/1vglHc5Wxw

— The Independent (@UGIndependent) October 5, 2017

#WCQ: Depleted Ghana squad prepares to face Uganda https://t.co/LgksxATfzy pic.twitter.com/xTpMAyfBm4

— The Independent (@UGIndependent) October 5, 2017