Andre Ayew’s penalty sends Ghana into World Cup playoffs

The Black Stars of Ghana are just two matches away from a return to the FIFA World Cup after beating South Africa on Sunday evening.

The West Africans were behind the Bafana Bafana on the table before the game knew that a win was the only assurance of a play off spot.

Andre Ayew’s penalty on the 33rd minute was the only goal of the game and it saw the Ghanaians leapfrog South Africa to top the standings.

Although, South Africa had 13 points like the four-time Africa Cup Of Nations champions, their goals difference was inferior to Ghana’s.

Meanwhile, Senegal, who had secured qualifications before the final set of games saw a 2-0 win against Congo.

Watford’s Ismaila Sarr scored a first half brace to ensure victory for the Teranga Lions.

In Group J, DR Congo snatched the top spot from Benin Republic with a 2-0 win at home. Dieurmeci Mbokani’s 10th minute penalty and Ben Malango Ngita’s second half goal was all that saw the DR Congo into the next round.

Madagascar and Tanzania played a 1-1 draw while Zimbabwe were held by Ethiopia in another 1-1 draw. Kalifa Coulibaly scored Mali’s only goal in a 1-0 win against Uganda.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Julio Tavares and Stopira scored second half goals as Cape Verde came back from behind to beat Central Africa Republic 2-1.

The result keeps them with a faint hope of qualification for the next round if they can beat Nigeria in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles needs a draw especially after a 2-0 win over Liberia in Tangier where penalties from Osihmen and Ahmed Musa saw the team win and keep the momentum with them as they anticipate the last game against Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun stadium on Tuesday.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu