Ghana versus Nigeria: Predicted lineup
Ghana will take on Nigeria today in a bid to secure one of the five tickets available for Africa in Qatar 2022. Ghana is missing several of its key players for various reasons. Andre Ayew is missing out due to suspension, the same as Benjamin Tetteh. Mubarak Wakaso, Baba Abdul Rahman, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Majeed Ashimeru are all out due to injuries. Edmund Addo reported to camp but had to be excused due to injury.
But who are those that are expected to start for Ghana today? Coach Otto Addo will take charge of his first assignment since assuming the role last month and little can be said of his tactics since he has not managed any senior side except his assistant roles. However, based on the names in the team, we will attempt to guess those that will lead the Stars charge against the Super Eagles.
Goalkeeper: Richard Ofori.
Jojo Wollacott came in before the AFCON and in the last match in the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and has made the role his but many are yet to be convinced by his showings. Richard Ofori has been the main man in the goalpost for the Black Stars for some time now. He missed out on the final group phase matches after picking up an injury against South Africa but has since returned and playing for his club in the PSL. He will be expected to be shuffled back in to replace Jojo Wollacott against the Super Eagles.
Left-back: Gideon Mensah
The Bordeaux full-back has often played a deputy role to Reading’s Baba Rahman. However, with the latter out due to injury, he is expected to get his chance this time around. Hearts of Oak’s Dennis Korsah will act as a deputy for the France-based defender.
Right-back: Andy Yiadom
Reading’s Andy Yiadom has locked down the right full-back role since he joined the team. That position looks certain to be his though the presence of Denis Odoi will pose a threat to him, he is sure to start today against Nigeria.
Centre-backs: Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku
Daniel Amartey and France-based Alexander Djiku have formed a formidable partnership at the back in recent times. Their experience playing together will be key to a decision to put them together today against Nigeria. Djiku particularly is guaranteed his place for his outstanding performance at the Afcon where he left Cameroon as the only player with his reputation unscathed. Celta Vigo’s Joseph Aidoo is back in the squad and will be pushing for his chances, he will have to wait a bit or accept a substitute role for this fixture.
Midfielders: Iddrisu Baba, Thomas Partey and Kudus Mohammed
The trio of Thomas Partey, Iddrisu Baba and Mohammed Kudus are expected to form the pack in the middle for the Balc Stars. Kudus missed the Afcon due to injury and his return to action received wide expectations from fans of the team. He will be expected to slot back straight into the team to play in an advanced role alongside Thomas Partey while Iddrisu Baba does the dirty job of cleaning their mess in the middle.
Partey has picked some top form since returning to Arsenal from the Afcon and he did sign off for this match with some consistent shows for the Gunners. Iddrisu Baba has been in top gear for Real Mallorca, making 22 appearances for the club in La Liga, 18 of those in the starting XI. He has sure guaranteed his spot in the middle, especially with the absence of Wakaso.
Forwards: Abdul Fatau Issahaku, Joseph and Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew despite his drought in front of goal for both club and country, is expected to lead the lines for the Stars owing to his experience. Daniel Kofi Kyereh would have been the best choice for Otto Addo if he needed someone to bang in the goals but with St. Pauli forward sitting out the last training session, it is a doubt if he will be fit to start from the onset. Jordan will thus lead the lines, flanked by Fatawu Issahaku and Belgium-based Joseph Painstil.
Osman Bukari would be the second choice in place of Fatawu Issahaku but he will mean no threat to the youngster due to his limited experience in the team, having made just one appearance. The FC Nantes winger will thus observe matters from the bench. Yaw Yeboah will also be in contention for the right-wing role in the Stars attack but has less game involvement with his new club though he has made a total of 26 appearances in the ongoing season for two different clubs.
