Ethiopia and Ghana shared the spoils in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. The pair drew one goal apiece, taking a point each in Group G.
Ethiopia played hosts to Ghana in this fixture at the Orlando Stadium – a decision that has caused some unhappiness in the South African camp, this week.
The fixture was originally scheduled to be played at the Bahir Dar Stadium in Addis Ababa, which was deemed unfit to play on.
FIFA, who has come under fire from South Africa’s coach Hugu Broos, subsequently changed the venue to Johannesburg, while Bafana Bafana and Zimbabwe were forced to play their qualifying matches against Ethiopia on that sub-par pitch.
In today’s action, it was the Black Stars who took the ascendancy in the first half, taking advantage from a set piece in the 22nd minute. They found the back of the net with a smart strike from Andre Ayew, after being awarded a free kick.
The Ethiopians created a fair few shots at goal after that but they failed to equalize, going into the second half trailing by a goal.
Ethiopia, who have only won one match during their campaign so far, took nearly an hour to find a reply, eventually scoring in the 72nd minute to level matters.
With both teams sharing a point, Ghana has now leveled with South Africa on points in Group G with 10, leaving their return fixture on Sunday against Bafana Bafana a must win for them to progress to the next round.
South Africa will face off against Zimbabwe later this evening and a win for South Africa will put them in a stronger position to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
