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Coach Chris Hughton is expected to assemble his A-list players, including poster boy Mohammed Kudus and promising youngster, Ernest Nuamah, as the Black Stars take on their Central African Republic counterparts in what promises to be a gripping encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, September 7 at 4pm, as both teams vie for a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana’s journey to the continental competition was on track until it hit a bump in their penultimate group qualifier following a goalless draw against Madagascar, the only team already eliminated from qualification.
The result halted what almost looked like their automatic progression, making the upcoming clash against Les Fauves’ (The Wild Beasts) all the more significant as Group E leaders, Ghana, second-placed Angola and Central African Republic chase two qualification tickets
For the Black Stars, who lead Angola by a point and two points clear of the Central African Republic, they need just a point to secure their passage to the AFCON tournament but must keep their guards up and avoid a slip-up at a venue that has been a fortress, as Angola have home advantage) against Madagascar on Thursday:
The Baba Yara Stadium stands as a stronghold for the Black Stars who have remained unbeaten on their home turf for over 23 years – with their last loss in Kumasi dating back to February 6, 2000 when South Africa stunned them 1-0 in a quarter-final clash at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations – a competition which Ghana co-hosted with Nigeria.
Despite the euphoria that greeted the arrival of Coach Hughton in March, Ghana’s performance under his stewardship has been middling, so the upcoming match provides an opportunity for the coach to rekindle the faith of Ghanaians demonstrating his squad’s mettle with a resolute showing and a victory.
Hughton will not find himself wanting for talent to propel the Black Stars to triumph. Players such as Kudus, the latest addition to West Ham United, and teenage sensation Nuamah from Lyon, along with Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Antoine Semenyo are all exhibiting improved form and are available for selection.
However, the gaffer faces challenges due to injuries to key players like Daniel-Kofi Kyerch, Gideon Mensah, goalkeeper Joojo Wollacott and Salis Abdul Samed, who have sustained setbacks during the start of the European football season.
The match carries added significance for both sides.
Ghana are favourites to guarantee a 10th consecutive AFCON berth, while Coach Raoul Savoy will be eyeing an upset and a piece of history by guiding his team to a rare win in Kumasi to secure their first-ever AFCON appearance.
He will rely on former France U-20 star, Geoffrey Kondogbia, and forward, Louis Mafouta, the leading scorer in Group E with four goals, to help their bid to disrupt Ghana’s aspirations.
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