Ghana’s chances of playing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar hit a huge setback on Thursday after playing a 1-1 with Ethiopia in South Africa.

The Black Stars missed out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but despite the draw, they still have a slim chance of progressing to the play offs if results between Zimbabwe and South Africa go their way or get an outright victory against South Africa in Accra on Sunday.

Ghana got into the lead in the first half through Andre Ayew but the second half goal from Getaneh Kebede saw Ethiopia, who have no chances of making the next round, spoil the party for the black stars.

South Africa will face Zimbabwe in one of Thursday’s late kick off while Togo host Senegal.

Gael Kakuta scored in DR Congo’s 3-0 win over Tanzania. The Lens midfielder lead the way as early as the sixth minute, Fasika Idumba and Ben Malango Ngita added two more late in the second half.

However, it was Benin Republic who moved to the top of group J with a 2-0 win over Madagascar. They will have to secure a draw against DR Congo on Sunday to be assured of a place in the playoff while DR Congo know that anything but a win is a disaster.

Meanwhile, Mali’s spot in the playoffs has been confirmed after defeating Rwanda by 3-0 in Kigali the win puts them on an unassailable 13 points, 4 points away from second placed Uganda who drew Kenya.

Micheal Olunga and Fahad Bayo scored a goal apiece in the second half of the game as Uganda and Kenya shared a 1-1 draw.

In matches slated for Friday, Burkina Faso will face Niger while Algeria will play against Djibouti. Gabon will play Libya while Guinea will face Guinea Bissau Angola will face Egypt and Sudan hosts Morocco.

Written by Daniel Ademiju Idowu