Ghana face long-standing rivals Nigeria in a cagey 2022 World Cup playoff tonight at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The 40,000 capacity stadium which will be full to the brim with spectators, will be witnessing another aspect of the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry on its green pitch tonight at 7:30PM GMT.
Despite the Black Stars coming into the game as the underdog, Some Ghanaians are of the believe that there will be a repetition of the October 15, 2013 miracle against the Pharoahs of Egypt at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tonight.
The Nigerians are also confident that with stars like Ademola Kuti, Victor Osihmen, Kelechi Ihenacho, Samuel Chukwezi and others, their Super Green Eagles will return to Abuja with a positive result.
But who are the eleven men likely to tame the star-studded Nigerian side for Ghana at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tonight…?
After carefully monitoring the Black Stars training sessions, coach Otto Addo could assemble the following players to start the crucial game tonight..
GK: Richard Ofori
Despite returning to the squad from injury, the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper could be starting in posts for Ghana against the Super Green Eagles. Ofori could be getting the starting berth ahead of Swindon Town shot-stopper, Joseph Wollacot who was the first choice for Ghana during the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.
RB: Andy Yiadom
He might not be people’s favorite but Yiadom has been impressive at training and a favorite to man the right-back role for the Black Stars tonight. The Reading FC defender has been a constant figure at the right-back position throughout the qualifiers and may be starting tonight’s game.
LB: Dennis Korsah
The only local-based player in the squad may be getting a surprise starting berth ahead of Fulham’s Dennis Odoi, who also throughout the training sessions was perfecting his skills at same position.
CB: Alexander Djiku
The Strasbourg defender is likely to get the nod at the heart of defence for the Black Stars against the Super Green Eagles tonight. He is regarded as one of the finest defenders in the new generation of the Black Stars.
CB: Daniel Amartey
The Leicester City defender could be teaming up with Djiku at the heart of defence for the Black Stars. He is currently on form, and a perfect man to bounce the Nigerian attackers from coming to the party.
DM: Baba Iddrisu
In a 4-2-1-3 formation, coach Otto Addo could name the Real Mallorca midfielder in front of the four-man defenders. Though he is younger, Baba possessed good tackling ability an incredible strength to stand the might of the loose Nigerian midfild.
READ: Ghana striker Jordan Ayew arrives in camp for Nigeria duel
DM: Thomas Partey
The Arsenal ace could be partnering Baba Iddrisu in midfield as two pivots. With his vision and accurate passing ability, Partey is expected to be a mastermind in midfield for the gallant Black Stars. He will be captaining the team as Andre Ayew is on suspension.
CM: Kudus Mohammed
The Ajax FC midfielder will be the transistor and a conductor from the midfield to attack. With his dribbling ability and an incredible speed limit, Kudus will be magical for the Black Stars tonight.
RW: Fatawu Issahaku
The Sporting CP attacker could be starting the right-wing position. As dangerous as he is, it looks unlikely that coach Otto Addo will overlooked his qualities at such a crucial game tonight.
LW: Joseph Paintsil
The KRC Gent attacker might be starting the left-wing position. With his speed and dribbling accuracy, Paintsil could be of huge importance to the Black Stars tonight.
FW: Felix Afena-Gyan
The AS Roma attacker might be the second debutants to start in tonight’s game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. He could be starting as the center forward ahead of Jordan Ayew who arrived at the team’s camp very late due to coronavirus issues.
Below is Ghana’s probable lineup
GK: Richard Ofori
Andy Yiadom
Dennis Korsah
Alexander Djiku
Daniel Amartey
Baba Iddrisu
Thomas Partey (C)
Kudus Mohammed
Fatawu Issahaku
Joseph Paintsil
Felix Afena-Gyan
