2022 World Cup Q: South Africa beat ‘uninspiring’ Ghana to blow Group G wide open

South Africa on Monday defeated shambolic Ghana at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg in the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier.

Ghana’s coach Charles Kwablah Akonnor was forced to do without his English-based players due to South African being a red zone Covid-19 area. There was no Jordan Ayew, Jeffrey Schlupp, Andy Yadom, Baba Rahman and Daniel Amartey.

South African coach Hugo Broos also made two attacking changes after a disappointing output upfront against Zimbabwe in the first game. Gift Links and Luther Singh were replaced by Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Ethan Brooks respectively.

Maritzburg United centre forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored the only goal of the match with six minutes left to play.

Ghana left-back Gideon Mensah made a mess of his situation, allowing the home team to press with an incisive cross which beat everyone including substitute goalie Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Hearts of Oak defender Fatawu Mohammed will look back and say he could have done better by allowing Hlongwane to slot home the winner.

The defeat leaves Ghana on the second position with 3 points, a point behind leaders South Africa who are on 4 with Zimbabwe who takes on Ethiopia on Tuesday occupying the third position with a point. Ethiopia have none.

A win for Zimbabwe will see them overtaking Ghana on the log.