The first of two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying assignments sees Ghana play as hosts to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on September 5, before facing Niger on September 9, in a bid to make the 2025 continental showpiece which will be held in Morocco.
The pressure was palpable from the moment the draw was conducted, with Ghana being pitted against Sudan, Angola, and Niger in Group F.
Tension and anxiety among football lovers are at an all-time premium when it comes to the Black Stars, given how lacklustre the team has looked in past years.
However, with Sudan picking up maximum points against Niger in their first outing of the group on Tuesday, the Black Stars -under Otto Addo- will have to match what former coach Kwesi Appiah did with the Sudanese yesterday.
In the way of the Black Stars is a side exuding confidence after punching above their weights in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast early in the year, and bagging the COSAFA Cup in July.
Angola are no pushovers, and their 2023 AFCON run – making it to the quarter-finals – is a testament to how good a side they are.
Given Ghana’s uninspiring performances and results in 2024, there is always a need to be cautious before every game.
Chris Hughton parted ways with the team after a disappointing 2023 AFCON, leaving the role of head coach vacant until Otto Addo, who qualified Ghana for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, was reappointed.
The results under the former Borussia Dortmund scout trainer are evident that there is a new air brewing around the team.
And although having faced fierce rivals Nigeria in an international friendly, which mattered little, the game against Angola, which is up there with the test against Mali in June, will be the team‘s sternest assignment yet.
It is expedient to undertake a constructive breakdown to have a fair idea of the potential final outcome of the game.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
ANGOLA
The Palancas Negras’ last international window ended in success, as Angola won its fourth COSAFA crown, beating Namibia 5-0 in the final to add to wins from 1999, 2001 and 2004.
Angola were impeccable and swept away the other sides with relative ease, going through the tournament with four wins, a draw, 15 goals scored, four conceded and a clean sheet.
A more comprehensive look at their results:
June 28, 2024 – Angola 0-0 Namibia
July 1, 2024 – Angola 3-2 Seychelles
July 3, 2024 – Angola 3-1 Lesotho
July 5, 2024 – Angola 2-1 Comoros
July 7, 2024 – Angola 5-0 Namibia
GHANA
The fate of the Black Stars has differed from that of Angola, with the team picking up its first victory in seven months in the last international window after beating Mali 2-1 in Bamako.
However, that victory seemed to have been a good building block for Otto Addo’s side as they went on to beat Central African Republic 4-3 to record consecutive victories. The form of the team across the last five competitive games in all competitions (friendly games inclusive), and in competitive games has been atrocious.
All competitions’ last five results
January 22, 2024 – Ghana 2-2 Mozambique
March 22, 2024 – Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
March 26, 2024 – Ghana 2-2 Uganda
June 6, 2024 – Ghana 2-1 Mali
June 10, 2024 – Ghana 4-3 Central Africa
Republic
Competitive last five outings
January 14, 2024 – Ghana 1-2 Cape Verde
January 18, 2024 – Ghana 2-2 Egypt
January 22, 2024 – Ghana 2-2 Mozambique
June 6, 2024 – Ghana 2-1 Mali
June 10, 2024 – Ghana 4-3 Central Africa
Republic
TEAM NEWS
ANGOLA
Angola are expected to field an attack featuring Mabululu and Gelson Dala, the duo who caused havoc for opposing defences at the AFCON, scoring seven goals between themselves.
Kialonda Gaspar is a constant presence in the Palancas Negras defence, while David Carmo is likely to remain as his partner at the heart of the defence.
Fredy Kulembe, whose industriousness in the midfield is worrisome, will be available for selection.
The Black Stars players at training in photos
📸 @1cliff_ #3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/ZGS4iJwFTY
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) September 4, 2024
GHANA
The Black Stars will be with Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil, who were left out with injuries in the last call-up. Majeed Ashimeru is also available for selection after his last appearance for the team came at the AFCON. Alexander Djiku and Salis Samed, as well as Ernest Nuamah and Kamaldeen Sulemana, all missed out on the squad due to injuries.
Jordan Ayew, scorer of a hat-trick in the last international window, was the last to arrive at the team’s training base but should be involved against Angola — be it from the off or from the bench. In the absence of regular left-back Gideon Mensah, Ebenezer Annan is expected to slot in, with Abdul Mumin also tipped to start alongside Mohammed Salisu. Elisha Owusu, who joined the team late alongside Jordan, is a doubt for the game.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Angola’s head coach Pedro Goncalves, ahead of the game, is pretty much wary of the threat Ghana possesses in midfield and attack
“Black Stars have players from top level in the world, but the big names are in the midfield and forward. Mohammed Kudus is one of the best players at the moment for Africa. [There are also] Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey the legend and Iñaki Williams”, he said
“I mentioned four players but I can say more. It’s a balanced team from the high level but for sure the big names are in attack”, he added
For Black Stars manager Otto Addo, he believes his side has enough to see off Angola, despite the injuries
“I’m convinced that we can beat them, but it won’t be easy. And also we had some injuries, but I think the squad is ready. We have a lot of players who can match up” he said
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams have faced off eight times in all competitions, with Ghana leading the way with four wins. There’s been three draws and a loss for Ghana as well.
PREDICTED LINEUP
ANGOLA
(4-3-3): Neblu (Gk); Mata, Gasper, Carmo, Cruz, Fredy, Show, Nteka, Milson, Mabululu, Dala
GHANA
(4-2-3-1): Ati Zigi (GK); Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Thomas Partey, Majeed Ashimeru, Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew.
PREDICTION
Ghana 2-1 Angola
By Andrews Sefa Bamfo
