The Black Stars of Ghana maintained first position in Group E, after holding Central African Republic (CAR) to a 1-1 draw away in their second game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.
Muhammed Kudus opened scoring for the Black Stars in the 17th but CAR equalized through Karl Namnganda four minutes before the end of the first half.
The draw takes leaders Black Stars’ points tally to four after two games played so far in the qualifying series while CAR are third on just a point.
In the group’s other game, Angola forced Madagascar to a 1-1 draw, to tie on the same points with Ghana but are second on inferior goals difference.
While Ghana will host Angola on match day three in September, Central African Republic will be guests to Madagascar also in the same month.
Meanwhile, Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a serious injury in Sunday’s qualifier against CAR.
The centre back came off worse after colliding with CAR’s Peter Guinari in the Black Stars penalty box just after the hour mark.
Mensah could not get back to his feet and had to be stretched off into a waiting ambulance as both players had to be treatment on the field.
Guinari had his head bandaged and was immediately substituted by the CAR bench.
In Group J, Botswana denied Tunisia from making it two wins from two games after holding the North Africans to a goalless draw.
Despite the draw, Tunisia too the group on four points while Botswana registered their first point in the qualifiers.
And in Group D, Malawi got their qualifying campaign off to a perfect start following a 2-1 home win against Ethiopia.
The group’s other fixture will see AFCON record winners Pharaohs of Egypt welcome Guinea later on Sunday.
