Friendly: Iceland 2-2 Ghana as Black Stars come from two goals down

Ahead of African Cup qualifiers in September, the Black Stars got a morale-boosting draw on Wednesday evening.

The pre-match period was tense for the the side after news filtered in the camp that the government of Ghana was set to dissolve all national football activities. But soon, they were given the all clear to honour the match.

Iceland missed the chance to go to the World Cup with a much-needed victory after Ghana came from two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw on Thursday.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men – who had lost their previous three friendlies – made a strong start in Reykjavik, Kari Arnason and Alfred Finnbogason scoring to earn a 2-0 first-half lead for the hosts.

There was nothing Ghana could do about Iceland’s sixth-minute opener as Arnason headed home a corner from Burnley winger Johann Gudmundsson.

And when Iceland added a second in the 40th minute, Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati fumbling for Finnbogason to nod in from close range, a comfortable win appeared likely.

Arnason almost had a brace as he again eluded his marker, but this time the free header was sent straight at Ati, Ghana then setting up an exciting finish when Kassim Nuhu thumped home from a set-piece.

And the Black Stars exploited more defensive weaknesses with an 87th-minute equaliser, Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey on hand to slam in Frank Acheampong’s low left-wing cross.

Ghana starting XI:

Lawrence Ati Zigi, Andy Yiadom, Lumor Agbenyenu, Nuhu Kassim, Opoku Nicholas, Joseph Attamah, Thomas Partey, Nana Ampomah, Edwin Gyasi, Emmanuel Boateng, Raphael Dwamena

Source: Goal.com