In the final round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage qualifiers, Group E leaders Ghana will face off against third-placed Central African Republic on Thursday.
With only a two-point difference between them, both teams are vying for a spot in the tournament, promising an exciting match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Match Preview:
Ghana recently played to a goalless draw with Madagascar in their second consecutive drawn match at the Kianja Barea Mahamasina on June 18. Despite dominating possession and attacking for most of the game, Chris Hughton’s team lacked finishing power and settled for a draw. Although they’ve remained unbeaten throughout the qualifiers, Ghana has had three draws in their last four Group E matches, including a 1-1 draw against Central African Republic in June 2022. The Black Stars currently top Group E with nine points from five qualifying matches, just one point ahead of second-placed Angola and two ahead of their Thursday opponents.
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Ghana returns to their home turf, where they’ve won seven consecutive matches, dating back to a goalless draw with Nigeria in March 2022. With nine consecutive AFCON appearances since 2006, Ghana needs at least a draw on Thursday to secure their tenth consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece.
Central African Republic, on the other hand, has had a commendable qualifying campaign and is one win away from their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations appearance. After losing 2-1 to Angola in the Group E opener in June 2022, Raoul Savoy’s team improved their performance in their next three matches, collecting seven points from a possible nine. They secured home and away victories against Madagascar and managed to keep clean sheets in both matches against Romuald Rakotondrabe’s team. However, their winning streak was interrupted on June 17 when they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Angola.
While a victory on Thursday would guarantee Central African Republic their first-ever AFCON appearance, they have struggled to secure results away from home, winning only one of their last six matches and losing four, with one draw since October 2021.
Team News:
Chris Hughton has selected an experienced 25-man squad, including Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Richard Ofori, who returns to the squad after recovering from a severe knee injury that kept him out of last year’s World Cup. Mohammed Kudus, who recently transferred to Premier League side West Ham United, is also part of the squad, along with former Chelsea full-back Abdul Baba Rahman. Jonathan Sowah, the only home-based player in the squad, receives his debut call-up to the senior team, while Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is notably absent due to a recent injury.
Central African Republic has named a 24-man squad for Thursday’s clash, featuring Geoffrey Lembet, Marco Yapende, and Amiens striker Louis Mafouta, who ranks third in the qualifiers scoring charts. Unfortunately, they will be without the services of experienced midfielder Kondogbia, who has been sidelined since mid-August due to an injury sustained while playing for Marseille.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Ghana: Ati; Seidu, Aidoo, Djiku, Baba Rahman; Salis Samed, Addo; Williams, Kudus, Bukari; J. Ayew
Central African Republic: Lembet; Ndobe, Yangao, Niamthe, Guinari; Youga, Toropite, Pirioua; Namnganda, Mafouta, Manzoki
