Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) last-16 remained in the balance after they conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Gabon Friday night.
The Panthers started the brightest, but it was the Black Stars who broke the deadlock after 19 minutes at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.
Skipper Andre Ayew gave the Black Stars the lead but Jim Allevinah’s superb 88th-minute strike earned the Panthers a point that leaves them in a strong position to reach the knockout phase.
Andre received the ball 25 yards out with his back to goal, swivelled brilliantly and fired his shot into the bottom left corner.
Despite both sides having opportunities to threaten their opponent’s goal in the opening 45 minutes, poor execution in the final third meant clearcut chances were scarce.
Gabon had a great chance to equalise early in the second half, but Junior Assoumou directed a free header from a corner over the bar.
They had another brilliant chance on the hour mark as they grew into the second half.
A low cross was half-cleared but only as far as Johann Obiang inside the box, who unleashed a shot towards goal only to be denied by the brave head of Daniel Amartey.
Eventually, Allevinah broke the Ghana resistance with an excellent left-footed goal two minutes from time.
It was a bitter end to the game for the four-time champions, who were furious that Gabon scored after opting not to return the ball when Ghana put it out of play after one of the Gabon players went down injured.
After a shoving match broke out on the pitch at full-time, the referee summoned a Ghanaian back out from the dressing room to brandish a red card.
The player in question appeared to be Benjamin Tetteh, with television pictures showing that he punched Gabon’s Aaron Boupendza during the melee.
With just a point from two games, Ghana have to beat bottom-placed Comoros in their final Group C game to boost their chances of advancing to the Round of 16. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18.
