On Monday, Angola will host Ghana at Estadio de 11 Novembro for their fourth AFCON qualifier, just four days after their last encounter. The hosts will seek revenge for their narrow 1-0 defeat in Kumasi, as they look to secure a vital three points.
Despite dominating for most of the match, Ghana snatched a late winner through Antoine Semenyo, giving Chris Hughton a winning start to his tenure as coach.
Match preview
With seven points from a possible nine, the Black Stars have taken a three-point lead at the top of Group E, and they aim to continue their near-perfect record against Angola, who have lost two of the three previous meetings between the teams.
Ghana are just three points away from securing a spot at next year’s AFCON, and with two games left to play, they are close to achieving their major objective.
Meanwhile, Angola must quickly recover from their recent defeat and deliver another solid performance against Ghana. Although they suffered only their second loss in 13 matches, Pedro Goncalves’s men will be eager to avoid losing consecutive matches for the first time in over two years.
They have not lost at home since a World Cup qualifier against Libya in 2021 and are a formidable force in front of their fans.
Team News
Alexander Djiku was forced off with an injury scare in Ghana’s last involvement, and the defender is currently a major doubt for Monday’s contest.
As a result, Joseph Aidoo could be handed a place in the starting lineup here after coming on for Djiku in the final knockings of the aforementioned game. Also, captain Andre Ayew, Mohammed Salisu who missed the first leg in Kumasi and Dennis Odoi who played an influential role in Kumasi will take no part in the game due to injuries.
Having recently opened his international account at the sixth time of asking, Antoine Semenyo will be aiming to come up with the goods once again.
Ary Papel has made 49 appearances for Angola, and his next game would see him join a handful of players to have racked up half a century of caps.
Midfielder Show lasted only just 33 minutes last time out before coming off with a knock, but he is expected to be fit in time to feature for the away side.
Angola possible starting lineup:
Cipriano; Carneiro, Mananga, Gaspar, Ndefe; Show, Fredy; Papel Ary, Gelson, Costa; Nzola
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati-Zigi; Mensah, Aidoo, Amartey, Schindler; Partey, Addo; Ayew, Kudus, Sulemana; Williams
