World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana’s predicted XI against Zimbabwe
Ghana will take on Zimbabwe today in the afternoon at Cape Coast in a matchday three encounter in the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers. The two teams have not met since their last encounter at the African Cup of Nations in 2006 which ended in a defeat for the Black Stars.
The Black Stars are also under the direction of a new coach in the person of Serbian trainer, Milovan Rajevac who has been reappointed following the axing of C.K Akonnor earlier last month. Milovan’s first stint with the team was a success after leading them to the last 8 in the global finals in South Africa, bowing out to Uruguay.
With a new head coach, a lot of changes may be made but considering that he had limited time to assess the team before the squad was announced, we expect to see a much familiar side starting today against the Warriors. Wo who makes it into the starting XI?
Goalkeeper: We have four strong hands vying for the starting berth against Zimbabwe. Richard Ofori who has been the preferred option in goal for the national side is absent today but in his absence, Lawrence At-Zigi has deputized. Richard Attah and Danlad are the other persons who have been around the team for some time with Jojo Walcot just having his first call up. None of the three has made an appearance for the side. So we expect Ati-Zigi with his experience in goal for the side to man the post against the Warriors today.
Defenders: Daniel Amartey and Alexand Djiku have partnered so well at the back for the Stars but Jonathan Mensah who has more experience, especially at the big stage, has returned to the team recently having been frozen out for some time. He got the node to partner Djiku against South Africa and though many have criticized him for the goal, he could be a big presence in shielding the goalkeeper. We opt for Djiku and Mensah to start this afternoon.
Baba Rahman and Andy Yiadom have been impressive for their club, Reading in the Championship and have also been the preferred full-backs for the Stars. We expect them to join Djiku and Mensah today from the start.
Midfield: The return of Thomas Partey and Kudus Mohammed is big news for Ghana though, another old guard in Wakaso Mubarak is absent. Partey and Kudus will be guaranteed slots in the middle and it is expected that they will be joined in the middle by Baba Iddrissu.
Attackers: Ghana has been struggling for goals with none of its strikers plundering in the goals. Jordan Ayew has been the focal person but has come under pressure for his goal drought. we however do not expect him to be dropped having seen in training ground pictures showing Milovan offering him special attention. He will lead the attack and be supported by Andre Ayew and Kamaldeen Suleyman.
Starting XI: Ati-Zigi, Andy Yiadom, Alexander Djiku, Jonathan Mensah, Baba Rahman, Kudus Mohammed, Thomas Partey, Baba Iddrisu, Andre Ayew, Kamaldeen Suleyman, Jordan Ayew.
By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com
