Ghana’s Black Stars were held by Madagascar to a goalless draw at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in match-day 5 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars started on a good note, dictating every aspect of the game in the early stages but with no dangerous incursions after six minutes.
The Bareas however, also looked very resolute and compact in their half, having allowed Ghana to have much of possession.
Patrick Kpozo spotted Jordan Ayew through with a good ball but a great slide tackle from Fabien Boyer rescued the host from that situation.
Dorian Bertrand followed with a quick reply after dribbling his way through the Ghana territory but his cross eluded everyone in the box.
Kamaldeen Sulemana also tore away from his marker to launch a curler but missed the post by inches.
Andre Ayew came so close to scoring in the dying embers of the first half but his header from Jordan’s free-kick was wide. It ended goalless at half time
In the second half, in the 56th minute, Thomas Partey had Ghana’s first shot on goal but his effort was tipped off by Nina Razakanirina.
Madagascar nearly snatched the lead in the 64th minute after skipper Carolus Andriamahitsinoro was put through with a decent pass but his strike across the face of the goal.
Ghana with another free kick at a very advantageous position but Partey’s free-kick went wide off the crossbar for a goal kick.
The home team were also given a free kick in the 86th minute but Ibrahim Amada’s strong hit from a free kick was parried away to a wasted corner kick.
It ended goalless after full-time. Ghana are still leading Group E with 9 points but will still have to wait till the final round of matches to confirm their qualification.