AFCON qualifier: Black Stars predicted lineup against Madagascar
Black Stars of Ghana is up against the Bareas of Madagascar in a 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier in Ghana’s colonial capital, Cape Coast today. There are new faces in Coach Otto Addo’s squad as well as there are returnees who join the team that drew 1-1 last time out against Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier in March.
Popular faces such as Mubarak Wakaso, Andre Ayew and Jonathan Mensah have rejoined the team alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana. Baba Rahman and Benjamin Tetteh also make a return. There are also new faces in Augustine Okrah, Antoine Semenyo, Alidu Siedu and Afriyie Barnieh who could be looking to force their way into the squad.
So who will start for the four-time African champions against the East Africans? We take a look at it and present our expected lineup here.
Goalkeeper: Jojo Wollacott. The Swindon Town shot-stopper proved his worth in absence of South Africa-base Richard Ofori and made impressive saves that helped ensure Ghana booked its place among the 32 teams that will play at the World Cup in Qatar. Though Ofori has recovered from his injury and since reestablished his place in the starting XI of Orlando Pirates, he will probably need to wait for some time before Otto Addo may offer him a place in the starting XI.
Left-back: Baba Rahman- the Chelsea loanee had an impressive season at Reading, though the club narrowly missed the drop in the English Championship, he did well to pose a serious threat to Gideon Mensah who deputized in his absence.
Right-back: Denis Odoi- the Club Brugge defender had a late international debut and was one of the top performers in Kumasi against Nigeria and also was very composed in the 1-1 draw away in Abuja though he could be faulted for the penalty that the Stars conceded, he was more than impressive for a player making his debut. Andy Yiadom who has been the go-to man for the team in that position was a substitute in Nigeria and will continue a bench role today.
Centre-back: Jonathan Mensah- arguably one of the most consistent players in the current setup, the Columbus Crew captain has not been a regular with the national side with making arguing that he is too error-prone. But with France-based Alexander Djiku out of the squad, we expect him to slot in as a centre-half against the Bareas in Cape Coast.
Centre-back: Daniel Amartey- the Leicester City defender was not known for that role but due to his versatility, he has transitioned well from midfield to defence and has been a regular at the back for the Black Stars. His perfect combination with Djiku adds more weight to his credentials and we expect him to be the other half of the two central defenders for today.
Midfielder: Mubarak Wakaso – though he has been inactive for well close to a year, he has always been present in the squad when he is not injured. In the last two games, Ghana lacked the long-range passes that set attackers against opposing defenders, a feature the team could use with the presence of a speedy forward such as Afena Gyan. His shooting ability also adds an extra threat to oppositions and Ghana would look to set off well by securing a good win at home against a perceived minnow and those abilities would be needed to unlock a team that would probably want to defend and play from the back on the counter. He will need to do the cleaning duty in the midfield.
Midfielder: Baba Iddrisu -the Mallorca man paid his dues well against Nigeria in the last two games though he did not end the second. He is expected to maintain his place in the starting XI against the Bareas especially with Thomas Partey not available. He will offer support to Mubarak Wakaso in the middle of the field as the Black Stars will look to create a strong shield in front of the defenders and control the midfield.
Midfielder: Kudus Mohammed- the Ajax midfielder is known for his skill and ability on the ball and though he is a central midfielder, he has a good eye for goal and creates chances when played further up behind the forwards. He is expected to be tasked to sit ahead of the two other midfielders and serve as the creative link between the midfield and attackers.
Right-winger: Osman Bukari – the FC Nantes midfielder will be a surprise inclusion in the starting XI for many but he has shown that he is a handyman to go with. With him being one of the few natural right-wingers in the team, he is expected to get them ahead of Fatau Issahaku who started the last match against Nigeria.
Left-winger: Andre Ayew – one of the best in the team right now and the most experienced in the team, his leadership skills will be needed in a team that is largely made of youngsters. Unless there is an injury or something else that will stop him from starting, we expect him to nail down the left-wing in the attack for the team.
Striker: Felix Afena-Gyan – this would be a hard call to make for Otto Addo considering that Jordan Ayew and Benjamin Tetteh are more experienced and have been with the team longer but the lack of goals from Jordan Ayew is undoubtedly his biggest flaw. He played as a winger in the last match and coach Otto Addo trusts him but with the promise shown by Afena Gyan, it would be a 50/50 call but we would go for the youngster to start ahead of the more experienced Ayew.
