Ghana hold England to keep World Cup dream alive

by RUSSELL ADADEVOH
ACCRA, (CAJ News) – GHANA have kept their dream of qualifying for the knockout stage of the World Cup alive after holding England to a goalless draw at the Boston Stadium in Massachusetts on Tuesday.

Carlos Queiroz deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation, with captain and England-based Jordan Ayew as the sole striker, while Antoine Semenyo, who also plays club football in the European country, was included in the line-up but in a less advanced position.

This was in contrast to the 4-3-3 formation that delivered a late 1-0 victory over Panama last week, courtesy of a Caleb Yirenkyi goal.

Midfielder Thomas Partey returned to the side after missing the previous match, having been denied entry to Canada by immigration officials.

It was a disciplined defensive display by the Black Stars, who managed to keep the dangerous Harry Kane and company at bay on Tuesday, denying the Three Lions a perfect start to the tournament after their 4-2 victory over Croatia in their previous match.

The statistics indicate how England had the better chances and how valuable this point is for Ghana.

The English side had the lion’s share of possession at 80 percent and registered 19 shots at goal, with three on target, compared to two off-target efforts by the West Africans during the entire match.

England had eight corner kicks to Ghana’s two.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was the hero for Ghana in the 86th minute when he thwarted a major chance for the Europeans, denying Bukayo Saka in the match’s biggest opportunity.

With the share of the spoils, Ghana remained second on four points, while England retained top spot in Group L on goal difference.

Croatia and Panama were due to contest the other group match in Toronto in the early hours of Wednesday.

Ghana next face Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday.

– CAJ News