adminMOZAMBIQUE failed to take their home ground advantage when they drew 0-0 against Ghana in the second leg of their Group H, 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier at Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputu yesterday.
Although the Black Stars went to the match with a 3-0 lead after their first leg win, it was a slow start in the return leg in Maputo.
However, just before 10 minutes, Harrison Afful picked out Alfred Duncan from a sweet cross but the latter failed to convert his free header in the box.
Avram Grant’s men nearly bagged the lead in the 18th minute from close range but the Mambas failed to deal with a free-kick, but the rebound was off target.
Mozambique captain Elias Pelembe saw his powerful header onto the crossbar from a corner kick in the 25th minute.
It was 0-0 at halftime.
In the second stanza, the match lived up to expectations when both sides played entertaining football.
The visiting side came close to bagging the lead when Jordan Ayew saw his shot saved after the 60th minute when he received a pass from Duncan, but the Mozambican goalkeeper, Sarito, produced a fine save.
After 10 minutes, Helder Pelembe attempted a shot from 20 yards out after finding space, but his effort sailed wide off the far post.
In the dying stages of the tie, Ghana won a set piece in a good position but failed to capitalise as defender Jeff Schlupp took a shot, but failed to hit the target.
In the wake of a stalemate, the Black Stars comfortably sit at the top spot with 10 points from four matches while the Mambas have one point from the same number of matches.
Ghana 0 – 0 Mozambique
Mozambique starting XI: Soarito, Miro, S Junior, Sonito, Domingues, Gildo, Edmilson, Jeitoso, Zainadine, Junior, Mussica, Pelembe
Ghana starting XI: Brimah, H. Afful, B. Rahman, J. Mensah, J. Boye , A. Acquah, A. Duncan, A. Badu, E. Assifuah, J. Ayew, J. Schlupp. —
SuperSport
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter