Ghana manager Avram Grant literally sat out Ghana's 1-1 draw in a friendly against South Africa on Yom Kippur.

Grant, who walked to and from the stadium and was fasting, sat in the dugout and allowed his assistant-coach to manage the game.

The Israeli's seemingly strange behaviour was initially interpreted as a protest at the fierce criticism of him after Ghana's disappointing 0-0 home draw in the opening game of the World Cup 2018 qualifiers last month.

Ghana FA spokesman Ibrahim Sanni Daara explained: "Avram spoke to the players before the game and explained the importance of Yom Kippur and that he would be taking no active part in the match."

As manager of West Ham in 2010, Grant stayed at home when the Hammers played at Stoke on Yom Kippur.

Grant's Ghana face a crucial World Cup qualifier away to Egypt next month and he will leave his post after the Africa Cup of Nations next January in Gabon.

Grant led Ghana to the final in 2015 where they were beaten by Ivory Coast on penalties.