Ghana and Sudan settle for a draw

Ghana's African Nations Cup qualifying endured a frustrating spell against Sudan at the Baba Yara Stadium as the Black Stars draw 0-0 in a fixture that produced two red cards.

The draw leaves Ghana on four points apiece with Sudan from their opening two games, while Congo has three and Swaziland are yet to pick a point after with the qualifiers set to continue next year.

Though the Black Stars remain at the summit of Group I, a win could have seen them go three points clear in the group as Asamoah Gyan's sending off added to the disappointment.

Gyan was red-carded by referee Damon Jerome in the 80th minute following an incident with the Sudanese goalkeeper and captain El Moiz Abdalla while a member of the Sudan technical staff was also dismissed.

The striker, four minutes before his sending off saw a goal bound effort cleared off the line with goalkeeper El Moiz beaten. Gyan would be suspended for the next game in the qualifying campaign.

Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah utilised all his substitutes bringing on Prince Tagoe, Agyemang Badu and Emmanuel Clottey for Jordan Ayew, Bernard Kumordzi and Andre Ayew.

Despite Ghana's many near misses, the resolute Sudanese side marshalled around their captain El Moiz also occasionally caused problems in the Black Stars' backline.

Though reduced to ten men, the Black Stars still looked the side determined to break the deadlock after constantly sending some dangerous balls into the area of the Sudanese.

Kwadwo Asamoah, Ghana's most influential player was a constant threat but always hit a brick wall as he chased for the opener.

There appeared to be redemption for Ghana later in the game when an indirect freekick was awarded in the penalty box, but goalkeeper El Moiz threw himself into the way of Agyeman-Badu's shot as the scramble for the final ball continued but it later rolled over the goal line.

The Black Stars will travel to Brazzaville to face Congo in their next game in March 2011 while Sudan host Swaziland.

Congo defeated Swaziland 3-1 in the other group game.

Ghana line up: Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Hans Adu-Sarpei, John Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Anthony Annan, Jordan Ayew/Prince Tagoe, Bernard Kumordzi/Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andre Ayew/Emmanuel Clottey

Reserves: Isaac Amoako, Samuel Inkoom, Lee Addy, Jonathan Mensah, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Emmanuel Clottey, Prince Tagoe