CAF World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana, Mali, DR Congo Advance
Ghana players celebrate 1-0 victory against South Africa during Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier at the Cape Coast Stadium.
Ghanaian national team captain Andre Ayew scored the game's only goal as the Black Stars beat South Africa 1-0 to progress to the play-off round of the qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, while Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo also advanced to the next round.
The result at the Cape Coast Stadium meant Ghana and South Africa finished the group phase with 13 points each. They had to be separated by the finest of margins, with Ghana going through by virtue of having scored seven goals, one more than second placed South Africa.
The home side knew nothing short of a win would earn them a chance to vie for a place in Qatar and were off to a positive start. After missed opportunities by Jordan Ayew and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Ghana opened the scoring in the 31st minute when the Andre Ayew converted from the penalty spot after Daniel Amartey was fouled inside the box.
Ghanaian national team captain Andre Ayew (10) celebrates goal with teammates during World Cup qualifier against South Africa
In the second half, it was South Africa who had the chances. Percy Tau had two successive opportunities, first his free-kick from range going straight into the keeper's arms, while he also had a shot from the edge of the area saved by the shot stopper.
Despite concerted efforts, Ghana defended with their lives to keep the score and earn a ticket to the next round.
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Mali 1-0 Uganda
Mali crowned its qualification to the play-off round of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 victory against Uganda Cranes in Agadir to finish unbeaten in Group E, dropping points in only one match.
Kalifa Coulibaly scored in the second consecutive match, striking the solitary goal in the 19th minute that handed them maximum points against the Uganda Cranes.
Mohamed Magassouba's men finished the group phase with 16 points from five wins and a draw, an away 0-0 result against Uganda.
The Cranes finish second in the group with nine points. Kenya and Rwanda will round up the group when they clash in Nairobi on Monday.
CAF World Cup qualifier results
Zimbabwe 1-1 Ethiopia
Ghana 1-0 South Africa
Senegal 2-0 Congo
DR Congo 2-0 Benin
Madagascar 1-1 Tanzania.
Chidi Nwoke/CAF.
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