2022 WCQ: Ghana coach speaks after shocking results against Ethiopia

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Milovan Rajevac
Milovan Rajevac

Ghana coach, Milovan Rajevac, has reacted to his side’s 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

The Black Stars went into the game with the aim of securing all three points to keep their chances of qualification alive.

However, after 90 minutes of football, Rajevac and his charges were held at the Orlando Stadium by the Walias in the matchday 5 fixtures of the qualifiers in Group G.

Getaneh Kebede scored in the second half to cancel out Andre Ayew’s superb opener in the first half.

The result leaves Ghana trailing Bafana Bafana by three points ahead of their final day showdown in Cape Coast on Sunday in the final group games.

“First, I would like to congratulate my players for fighting very hard. We were expecting a tough match today and I want to congratulate the Ethiopians for a very good performance, they deserved the result,” Rajevac said at the post-match press conference.

“We had some problems in defence and we made some mistakes. But everything will be decided on Sunday [against South Africa]. It is important that we win by two clear goals if we want to make it to the playoffs.

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“Of course, the draw has distracted us a bit but we have to forget about it and think of the final match.

“Even if we won Ethiopia today, we would still need to beat South Africa on Sunday and so, we have to give our best, gather the troops and give a good performance in the last match.”

Ayew opened the scoring for Ghana in the 22nd minute, curling a free-kick into the net after Richmond Boakye-Yiadom was brought down outside the box.

In the second half, Kebede drew his side level, finishing off a swift move after Joseph Aidoo was dispossessed in a dangerous area.

The Black Stars now need to win against South Africa to book a place in the playoffs. Ghana are eyeing a return to the World Cup after missing out on the 2018 finals in Russia.

On their last appearance at the global showpiece, the Stars suffered elimination in the group stage, finishing bottom behind Germany, Portugal and the USA at Brazil 2014.

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