Live Updates: South Africa 0-0 Ghana (2021 AFCON qualifiers)

GHANAsoccernet.com brings to you live-play-by-play in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between South Africa versus Ghana from the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.Match PreviewFollowing what seemed like a routine path to the African Cup of Nations tournament after three wins from three, the Black Stars now face a perilous end to the qualifying campaign.While qualification remains squarely in their hands, the loss last time out in Sudan has made head coach, C.K Akonnors task a little tougher than he would have wanted.The Stars and South Africa are tied at the top of Group C (along with Sudan who has played a game more) with nine points and face each other later today at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.A win would take the Stars through to the AFCON tournament while anything less would mean Sundays match against Sao Tome and Principe becomes way more important than anyone would have thought when the groups were first announced.Preparations ahead of the match have been less than ideal for Akonnors side, however, with controversy over the team selections dominating discussions since the squad was announced on Friday.Player withdrawals due to injury or concerns by various clubs over COVID-19 have also resulted in Akonnor being left with a largely inexperienced side for the game. Key players including captain, Andre Ayew, Arsenals Thoms Partey, Jordan Ayew, Kasim Nuhu and Richar Ofori all in line to miss the encounter.However, the arrival of Ajax starlet, Kudus Mohammed after some initial uncertainty has given a boost to the squad. The inclusions of two of the Ghana Premier Leagues best goalscorers, Joseph Esso and Kwame Opoku indicates some strength in depth.South Africa will not be able to guarantee qualification for the AFCON tournament with a win, as Sao Tome failed to get anything from their game against Sudan. But regardless of the result in todays game, a draw with Sudan in their final game on Sunday will see them qualify.The match also holds great significance for the Bafana Bafana, as it will be their 200th international match at home.Match OfficialsEthiopian referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa has been appointed to officiate the game between South Africa and Ghana at the FNB Stadium.Tessema will be center referee of the match and will be assisted by compatriots Kindie Mussie and Temesgen Samuel Atango respectively.The fourth referee is also from Ethiopia in Biruk Yemanabran Kassaun and the Match Commissioner for the fixture is Mohau John Sentso from Lesotho.The other officials are Namibia’s Titus Haimbii Kunamuene as General Coordinator with Dr. Hergi Diebo from South Africa as the COVID-19 officer.

Match officials displaying their new Showmax kit. pic.twitter.com/mgIc8Weqf5

SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) March 24, 2021

M A T C H D A Y Dont forget the game kicks off at 4pm GMT#AFCON2021Q #BlackStars #BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/Sn2wZQBhBI

Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 25, 2021Starting line-upsBafana Bafana XI vs. Ghana GK: Ronwen Williams Thulani Hlatshwayo Siyanda Xulu Innocent Maela Sfiso Hlanti Rivaldo Coetzee Andile Jali Thapelo Morena Themba Zwane Percy TauRuzaigh Gamildien Ghana starting line up

Ghana starting XI v South Africa:

16. Razak Abalora2. Benson Annan17. Baba Abdul Rahman4. Nicholas Opoku28. Ismail Ganiyu6. Afriyie Acquah16. Kwame Opoku11. Mubarak Wakaso13. Caleb Ekuban20. Mohammed Kudus25. Emmanuel Gyasi#BlackStars #BringBackTheLove Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 25, 2021Kick-off is at 16:00 GMTJoin us for the live text commentaryTwo teams out of the tunnel as they head onto the pitch for the national anthemGame underway01 Throw in to the Black Stars as Percy Tau losses possession02 Counter Attack: Mohammed Kudus sprints with the ball tries to release the ball to Ekuban, but ball goes for a goal kick.04 Missed CHANCE: The South Africans fail to put the ball at the back of the net after a beautifully worked ball05 Its South Africa 0-0 Ghana08 Kudus has been fouled in the center circle, referee whistles in favor of the Black Stars10 Bafana Bafana dominating possession in the first. 10 minutes of the game11 South Africa seeing enough of the ball at the moment, as the Black Stars drop to their own half to defend13 Throw in to Ghana as Wakaso intercepts a pass which goes off the South African player15 Its South Africa 0-0 Ghana16First corner kick of the game to the Black Stars18 CHANCE: Percy Taus header goes wide for a goal kick19 What a strike from the South African player as Razak Abalorah parries the ball away for a corner kick20 Its South Africa 0-0 Ghana21 Temporal Hold up: A South African player is down on the pitch with injury. He has been stretched off the pitch