After the opening day of fixtures produced a win and a draw, it was the turn of teams in Group B to take centre stage at the Cup of African Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
Ghanaians patiently await the Stars’ first encounter, but in the meantime the competition rolls on. Today witnessed two games, Zambia taking on Congo DR whilst Tunisia tried on Cape Verde for size.
The two enthralling games both ended in 1-1 stalemates, marking three 1-1 draws out of four games at the tourney. The goals are not particularly flowing so far.
In the first game of the day, 2012 champions Zambia took a very early lead against the DRC. Given Singuluma; one of the veterans from that 2012 winning squad scoring in just the 2nd minute.
DR Congo were particularly dominant, but in typical profligate fashion wasted so many opportunities they would count themselves lucky to have gotten the equaliser.
That came from Yannick Bolasie, the player making waves with Crystal Palace in the English Premier League this season. He showed why he’s a regular fixture for a side in one of the world’s top leagues, hitting a powerful effort straight into the top right corner to draw his side level 24 minutes from time.
The central African side remained dominant, but failed to capitalise to end another game in a stalemate.
Tunisia followed suit in the second game of the day, failing to capitalise on numerous chances and then falling prey to a late equaliser, depriving them of all three points.
The 2004 African champions proved a little too hot for Cape Verde in the early exchanges, cutting the islanders apart at will but, as is becoming the norm at this tournament, failing to hit the back of the net.
How Cape Verde survived the first half no one knows, but Tunisia’s dominance continued well into the second, and eventually paid off with a well worked goal.
Mohammed Ali Monser finishing a slick move into the top corner of the net, applying the last touch to a complex manoeuvre involving teammates Saihi and Maaloul in the 70th minute.
The lead was short-lived though, a defensive blunder from defender Ben Youssef handing Cape Verde a lifeline.
Heldon rushed into the box, but was brought down by the Tunisian defender for a penalty to his side. He picked himself up, dusted off the dirt and planted the penalty into the top corner.
Tunisia went in search of the winner in droves, but it proved elusive to them, culminating in yet another 1-1 draw.
Action continues tomorrow, South Africa taking on Algeria in the late game, after our very own Black Stars have taken on the Lions of Teranga of Senegal.
That game commences at 1600 GMT, and you can follow it live here on GhanaCelebrities.Com