Starting XI: here is how the Black Stars and Brazil will lineup
Ghana will take on Brazil later today and many players would be hoping to get into the action right from the go. Myactiveonline’s sports desk takes a look at the possible faces that Coaches Otto Addo and Tite will name in their starting XI.
Ghana
Ghana’s last match was against Chile in a four nation tournament but the very last competitive fixture remains the 1-1 draw against the Central Africa Republic on June 5 in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In that match, Otto Addo fielded Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal with Daniel Amartey and Jonathan Mensah was chosen as the central defensive pair with Gideon Mensah and Andy Yiadom operating the left and right laterals. Daniel Kofi Kyereh and Edmund Addo start as the double anchor men between the defence and the attack that had Joseph Paintsil and Osman Bukari flanking Kudus Mohammed behind Felix Afena Gyan in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Kudus excelled in the role with the opening goal in the 17th minute.
There have been some additions to the team and some are likely to be involved from the start.
Goalkeeper: Jojo Wollacott. The Charlton Athletic shot-stopper is expected to return in between the post for Ghana, though Richard Ofori and Abdul Manaf Nurudeen. He’s played 11 games for Charton and has two clean sheets to his name. Ofori has played eight matches in the PSL this season and has 5 clean sheets. Manaf has three appearances so far this season and has conceded 7 goals in the three matches.
Left-back: Baba Rahman. The Reading man is expected to slot back into the role despite the good performance of Gideon Mensah in the last games. We, however, expect a new boy, Tariq Lamptey to be introduced in the second half for his debut.
Right-back: Denis Odoi. The 33-year-old is expected to retain his place having missed the Kirin Cup games as well as the against the Central Africa Republic. He faces direct competition from Andy Yiadom but Edmund Addo or Gideon Mensah could be drafted in to play there as well.
Centre-back: Daniel Amartey. Unless last minute injury, Amartey is expected to hold down his place in the back. Whoever his partner will be is something that would not be his worry.
Centre-back: Alexander Djiku. The Strasbourg man is returning to the fold after missing the four last games but will be expected to slot back in the middle of the back alongside Daniel Amartey. Salisu Mohammed will later get his debut but only in the second half. Joseph Aidoo will also be hoping to get some minutes out against the Selecao.
Defensive Midfield: Thomas Partey. The Arsenal man will slot straight into the middle in the holding role. Baba Iddrisu will join the action in the second half. The Real Mallorca man has been a tireless runner and would be needed to help gag the holes that the speedy Brazilian wingers may want to use but would only come on in the second half.
Attacking Midfield: Andre Ayew. The Al-Sadd SC winger will play in an attacking midfield role alongside Kudus Mohammed on either side of Thomas Partey. His goal threats will be a welcome advantage for Otto Addo who would seek to supervise Ghana’s first goal against Brazil.
Attacking Midfield: Kudus has thrived in a centre-forward role at Ajax this season but will be used in the middle of the pack and would be expected to help create chances for his teammates instead of being the main goal target.
Right-winger: Jordan will be used in the game to help hold the ball and draw out crow to free the centre forward to attack. He will be deployed at the right wing of the attack to support the attacker.
Left-winger: Kamaldeen Sulemana will join the attacking trio up front, operating from the left side. His speed. He has been limited to 6 substitute appearances and two starts at the club level but his technique and speed are going to be vital against the South Americans.
Centre-forward: Inaki Williams. Though this is Williams’ first match after switching allegiance, the Atletico Bilbao forward is expected to start the game as the lone striker. He will have the support of Kamaldeen and Jordan Ayew behind him and a good creative trio of Kudus, Partey and Ayew to offer him chances to convert.
Starting XI: Jojo Wollacott, Baba Rahman, Denis Odoi, Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey, Andre Ayew, Kudus Mohammed, Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Inaki Williams. Formation: 4-2-3-1.
Brazil
Tite often lines up in a 4-2-3-1 but opted for a 4-4-2 double 6 and 4-3-3 in their last two matches. Allison Becker and Ederson have been rotating in the post for Tite but the Liverpool man has been the option in the last few matches. Ederson will get a run out this break but will likely has to wait until next week against Tunisia.
Thiago Silva and Marquinhos have been Tite’s go-to centre-back pair and the duo are expected to hold down their places against the Black Stars. Danilo will take up the right fullback role and with Alex Sandro withdrawing from the squad due to injury, Alex Telles is expected to deputize at left-back.
Manchester United duo of Casemiro and Fred have been Tite’s choice for the Selecao’s assignment and with both available, they would play from the start against Ghana. Lucas Paqueta will play in the middle of a trio of Vinicius Jr and Antony with Neymar Jr expected to lead the lines as the lone striker.
Brazil XI: Allison, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo, Alex Telles, Casemiro, Fred, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Jr, Antony, Neymar Jr. Formation: 4-2-3-1
