Former Ghana International Sam Johnson says the Black Stars have blown away any realistic chance of qualifying to the 2018 FIFA World Cup after their disastrous 1-1 draw with Congo in Kumasi last Friday.
The Black Stars who are chasing a fourth appearance at the World Cup were hoping to boost their chances of qualification, especially after Group E leaders Egypt succumbed to defeat in Kampala against Uganda 24 hours before Ghana’s game.
Egypt’s defeat had offered the Black Stars some sort of lifeline that would have ensured that the qualifiers would be pushed to the last round of games, but instead, the misfiring Ghana were held to a surprise home draw by Congo; Thievy Bifouma scored after 18 minutes for the visitors, and the Black Stars only avoided defeat courtesy of a late Thomas Partey goal.
Now with three games played, the Black Stars of Ghana have only two points from a possible 9, Uganda have leapfrogged their illustrious opponents to unexpectedly claim first place. The Cranes of Uganda have 7 points followed by Egypt on 6 points and Ghana on 2 points.
There are now three games left and even though there is still a mathematical chance for the Black Stars to seal qualification, ex- Ghana international Sam Johnson says it is highly unlikely that the Black Stars will make it to Russia.
Speaking on the Football Legends Night Show, Sam Johnson said, “It would be better for the Ghana Football Association, and Ghanaians in general to admit that the Black Stars’ chances of qualifying to the 2018 FIFA World Cup are over. Look, we can’t qualify and it is the truth. If we qualify I will go to Church and roll myself on the ground in jubilation. We have to now concentrate on the 2019 Cup of Nations and start preparing for it”.
The Black Stars will take on Congo in the reverse fixture on Tuesday, September 5 in a game Ghana must win of forget about qualifying for the next World Cup.
