The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers’ Group E match between Ghana and the Central African Republic (CAR) is expected to be a thrilling one because two spots are up for grabs.
Ghana is in first place in the group after five rounds of play with nine points, followed by Angola with one point less. Madagascar is the only country without a chance of competing in the 2023 AFCON tournament, which will be held in Ivory Coast the following year. CAR is also third with seven points, suggesting that all three countries might qualify if they record positive results in their matches.
Prior to the game, coaches from both teams waxed poetic about their certainty in achieving the desired outcome to allow their respective teams to advance.
Raoul Savoy, comforted by the kind of turmoil they had previously managed to wreak on other African nations like Nigeria, feels confident in his abilities to lead the Wild Beasts on an almost impossible task.
“Nigeria never expected us to beat them at home, but we did,” he told the reporters on Wednesday before the game.
“You’ll never know what we’re capable of,” I admire Ghana because they are a much better football nation than we are, but football is the most beautiful game in the world because there are surprises every time, every day, he continued.
On the other hand, Hughton is confident that building on Ghana’s success at the Baba Yara Stadium, where they have gone 23 years without losing, will help them achieve the required results.
During the news conference on Wednesday before the game, he addressed the journalists, “Everybody knows what this game [against CAR] means.”
“We shall do every effort to get the desired outcome. The planning has gone well. Due to injury, we are missing several players, but this is also a chance for others.
We’re having fun at home. We intend to keep up our successful track record in this area.
The game today at Baba Yara Stadium will begin at precisely 4 p.m. local time.
A LOOK AT THE FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
GHANA’S FORM GUIDE
After losing to Uruguay 2-0 in their final World Cup 2022 encounter, Ghana had only suffered one loss in their last five games. Additionally, they have two wins and two draws to their credit in the other games, including a 1-0 triumph against Angola in the AFCON qualifying round.
17 June 2023 2023 AFCON qualifiers: Madagascar 0–0 Ghana
Angola and Ghana drew 1-1 on March 27, 2023 to advance to the AFCON
2023 AFCON qualifying matchup between Ghana and Angola on March 23, 2023
December 2, 2022 2022 World Cup Group H: Ghana 0–2 Uruguay
30 October 2022 3-4 in South Korea World Cup of 2022 Group H: Ghana
THE FORM OF CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Their most recent five competitive games were all in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, when they earned seven points by winning twice, losing twice, and drawing one. However, Ghana was unable to defeat Madagascar in their most recent match.
2023 AFCON qualifying match, June 17, Central African Republic 1-2 Angola
2023 AFCON qualifications, March 27, Central African Republic 2-0 Madagascar
2023 AFCON qualifying on March 23, Madagascar defeated Central African Republic 3–1.
5 June 2022 Ghana and Central African Republic drew 1-1 in the 2023 AFCON qualifying round.
Angola defeats Central African Republic 2-1 in the 2023 AFCON qualification match on June 1, 2022.
HEAD TO HEAD
The rematch of this game in the 2023 AFCON qualifications was the sole official encounter between the two teams, and it ended 1-1 when Namnganda cancelled out Mohammed Kudus’ goal in the 17th minute.
SQUAD NEWS
GHANA
Along with Joseph Paintsil of Genk and the injured Partey, Amartey, Joseph Wollacott, Salisu, and Sulemana, Ghana will be without winger Joseph Paintsil. Despite being a member of the team, Andre Ayew might sit on the sidelines given his recent inactivity. One of the starting wingers will likely be Nuamah or Bukari, and Edmund Addo will likely replace Partey to partner with Salis Abdul Samed as a double pivot in front of the back four.
POSSIBLE LINEUP
(4-2-3-1): Williams; Samed; Addo; Aidoo; Djiku; Rahman; Seidu; Aidoo; J. Ayew; Kudus; Nuamah;
SQUAD NEWS
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The Central African Republic team include renowned athletes such Amiens footballer Louis Mafouta, Geoffrey Lembet, and Marco Yapende. Only Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Mafouta have scored more goals in the qualifications, and Mafouta has been in outstanding form.
The team will sadly be without the services of veteran midfielder Kondogbia, who has been out since mid-August due to an injury incurred while playing for Marseille.
POSSIBLE LINEUP
Lembet, Ndobe, Yangao, Niamthe, Guinari, Youga, Toropite, Pirioua, Namnganda, Mafouta, and Manzoki make up the 4-3-2 combination.
