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This matchup was pencilled in to be the highlight of the AFCON 2019 group stage, however, what we got was a damp squib instead. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Black Stars of Ghana couldn't break the deadlock as both defences were dogged all through the entire game.
This presents an interesting scenario in AFCON Group F, with Cameroon 1st on 4 points, Ghana & Benin joint 2nd on 2 points each, and Guinea Bissau 3rd on 1 point.
The match was characterised by a last-ditch tackle, the ball hitting the crossbar, and an imposing performance by Ghana's Richard Ofori. The Indomitable Lions had the Lion share of possession, and a total of 8 shots, with 2 on target, whereas, the Black Stars of Ghana had a total of 15 shots, with only 1 of those troubling Cameroon's Andre Onana.
In a game which had a dogged defensive theme, let's take a look at three specific reasons why the deadlock wasn't broken.
#3 Jonathan Mensah's timely interventions
This game's tale wouldn't be complete without a mention of Ghanaian CB, Jonathan Mensah. He had to step up to the plate due to the absence of his regular CB partner, John Boye, and that he did.
Twice in the game, he was crucially on hand to thwart the Indomitable Lions' attacking machine. Firstly, in the 31st minute, he prevented a potential Toko Ekambi goal via a well-timed slide tackle in the box.
Next, he put his body in the line of fire in the 75th minute, preventing a ferocious Christian Bassogog shot from finding the intended target.
Those were crucial interventions, and in a game in where both sets of defenders were triumphant, Jonathan Mensah was certainly one of the principal actors.
#2 Richard Ofori's safe hands
The game had several defensive heroes, but one who certainly stood out without a shadow of doubt was the Black Stars' Richard Ofori. Time and again he was required to fend off Cameroonian onslaught, and that he did with distinction.
In the 35th minute, he had to parry a snapshot from Cameroon's Clinton Njie, who tried to place the ball in the lower left corner of the Ghanaian goal.
Five minutes later he was once again on hand to deny Christian Bassogog, who dispossessed a Ghanaian player on the right flank, passed the ball to a teammate, then ran all the way to the middle of the box to receive the ball, unleashing a ferocious shot towards the Ghanaian goal.
Richard Ofori was influential against the Squirrels of Benin in the last match, and his antics were once again crucial against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
#1 Timid attackers
In this article we have highlighted how the heroics of the defenders on both sides led to an unanticipated stalemate, however, we should also shine a spotlight on the goal-getters from both sides of the aisle.
In a match which was expected to produce fireworks, the 0-0 scoreline was an indicator of the failings of the attackers on both ends of the pitch.
We had a total of 23 shots, with a paltry 3 shots on target. That's a clear indictment of incompetence on the part of the strikers during the encounter.
Ghana will face Guinea Bissau next, and Cameroon will take on the Squirrels of Benin, in what is anticipated to be a nail-biting group finale!
