Ghana was forced to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Uganda in its opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.
After a dismal World Cup riddled with off-the-field problems, Kwesi Appiah's men made an unconvincing start to their qualifying campaign in Kumasi.
Without Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng — suspended indefinitely because of disciplinary problems — the host toiled against their opponents, ranked 45 places below it in the world.
After Tony Mawejje had given Uganda the lead at the end of the first half, Ghana was grateful to receive a controversial penalty that Andre Ayew confidently dispatched as the host earned itself a point.
Ghana made the brighter start, and captain Asamoah Gyan was twice denied by fine saves from Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango. Those stops proved crucial on the stroke of halftime as Mawejje gave the visitors the lead with a shot from the edge of the area that bounced awkwardly in front of Fatau Dauda and flew into the corner.
Ghana reacted strongly at the start of the second half and was level in the 50th minute. Abdul Majeed Waris was judged to have been felled inside the box and, after protests from the Uganda players fell on deaf ears, Ayew sent his spot kick straight down the middle.
Uganda almost retook the lead immediately, but Dauda tipped Brian Umony's low effort onto the post. Although Ghana had much the better of the final half an hour, Appiah's men were unable to force a winner and will now travel to Togo for their next Group E qualifier Wednesday, while Uganda will host Guinea.
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