Ghana will have to wait for AFCON Match Day 6 games of Group E to determine their chances of next year’s qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations as they were held by a resilient Madagascar on Sunday in Antananarivo.
The Black Stars began the game the better of the two sides and had their first chance from a free kick which was whipped in by Jordan Ayew but it was cleverly dealt with by the defence of Madagascar.
Jordan was then sent through a few minutes later from a pass on the left but the Malagasy goalkeeper was quick to react before the game quickly swung in the way of the host.
Malagasy came close in the 15th minute after Dorian Bertrand sent in a cross which found no one in the box.
On the flip side, Kamaldeen Sulemana saw his sweet curler miss the post by inches before Joseph Paintsil fired from a rebound right on the half-hour mark.
Bertrand and Carulos Andriamatsinoro combined on the left to give Ghana a run for their strength but the last touch failed to get its intended power.
Just before the half-time whistle, Jordan Ayew sent in a beautiful cross from a freekick which was met by his brother, Andre Ayew, but the danger was immediately cleared.
Madagascar returned from the break very determined and almost broke the deadlock following a spell of pressure on Ghana.
Thomas Partey forced a save from the Madagascar goalkeeper from a set piece.
Chris Hughton replaced Sulemana with youngster Ernest Nuamah, who was making his debut, as the Black Stars chased a goal.
Later in the game, Osman Bukari replaced Joseph Painstil and had the chance to snatch the winner for the Black Stars but his control eluded him.
The game ended with the Black Stars sharing the spoils in Malagasy capital.
For Ghana to qualify for the 2023 AFCON then they will have to defeat Central African Republic or a drawn then again if Ghana loses to CAR but Angola fail to win.
Patrick Kpozo also made his debut whilst Hafiz Konkoni did not make match day squad.