The Black Stars were held to a goalless draw by the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their final preparatory game for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match was played on Saturday at the Police Academy Park in the United Arab Emirates, where the team has based since Saturday, June 1.
The four-time African champions shaded possession in Saturday’s friendly but could not make it count.
Coach James Kwesi Appiah ensured that almost all the outfield players had a taste of the warm-up game.
Ghana had lost their previous preparatory game 0-1 to Namibia and wanted a boost in performance as the tournament nears.
Inter Milan’s Kwadwo Asamoah had a great start in the game, standing out in the first half.
He was, however, substituted – together with Christian Atsu and Thomas Agyepong. Samuel Owusu, Mubarak Wakaso and Kwabena Owusu took their place.
Afriyie Acquah and Caleb Ekuban also came on for Thomas Partey and Andre Dede Ayew respectively.
Coach Appiah’s last set of substitutions saw Jordan Ayew, John Boye and Lumor Agbenyenu coming off for Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah and Asamoah Gyan, whose late header hit the post.
FULLTIME: Game ends goalless despite a very exciting and entertaining display by both sides. Asamoah Gyan’s late header could have handed Ghana a win here but was denied by the post #TOTALAFCON2019 #BlackStars2019 pic.twitter.com/CKeufGvvyj
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) June 15, 2019
The team departs UAE and heads to Egypt for the tournament, which starts on Friday, June 21.
Ghana will begin the campaign for a fifth trophy in Group F against the Squirrels of Benin on Tuesday, June 25.
South Africa will play in Group D, opening their campaign with 2015 champions La Cote d’Ivoire before later taking on Morocco and Namibia.
Ghana XI: Richard Ofori (GK), Andy Yiadom, Lumor Agbenyenu, Kasim Nuhu, John Boye, Kwadwo Asamoah, Thomas Partey, Christian Atsu, Thomas Agyepong, Andre Dede Ayew, Jordan Ayew
South Africa XI: Darren Keet (GK), Thamsanka Mkhize, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkwhanazi, Sfiso Hlanti, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Thulani Serero, Thembinkosi Lorch, Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba
Source: 3news.com|UAE