It is part two of this show. In the first part, despite creating a number of chances at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars failed to find the net.
Despite keeping a clean sheet for the first time since Otto Addo’s second coming, Ghana are still in a tight corner and need a victory to boost their chances of qualifying to Morocco 2025.
And this time, they will play the game in Libya, a venue Sudan have used in their last fixtures.
Here’s a preview of the game by Betway.
Performances of both teams in qualifiers
The four-time AFCON winners have just two points from their first three qualifying games in Group F after undesirable performances in a 1-0 loss against Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger in September. They showed much more purpose against Sudan but failed to find the net as they drew 0-0.
Sudan on the other hand defeated Niger 1-0 in their opener and narrowly lost 2-1 to Angola in the second game.
The Black Stars are currently third in Group F whilst Sudan are second with four points.
Head-to-head
The two teams have faced off on 15 occasions in the past. The Black Stars have been largely dominant, winning 10 and losing three. However, Kwesi Appiah has an impressive home record since taking over the Sudan job, losing just one of 10 home matches (6W 3D), and has not lost a competitive game at home.
Ghana have largely struggled in this calendar year, winning just two out of 11 (18% win rate) and haven’t won an away game in the AFCON qualifiers since 18th November, 2019 when they defeated Sao Tome and Principe 1-0. Coincidentally, Jordan Ayew scored the only goal from the penalty spot.
The odds
Ghana are favorites to win it according to Betway with their odds priced at 1.65 currently whilst that of Sudan stands at 5.50.
What the coaches said
Otto Addo (Black Stars coach): ““I think we showed in the last game we don’t have to look too much back. In terms of passion and willingness to win, it was there, but the last thing missing was scoring goals. The boys are mentally ready. This is the only thing missing. We have to score goals and believe in ourselves. It’s very important. If this belief comes, goals will come. We just have to show consistency.”
James Kwesi Appiah (Sudan coach): “It is not going to be easy, but Insha Allah, we are going to fight and make sure we get a victory for Sudan.”
Possible starting XI
Ghana: Ati Zigi, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, Gideon Mensah, Majeed Ashimeru, Elisha Owusu, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew
Sudan: Mustafa, Khamis, Mustafa Karshom, Kuku, Agab, Waliedlin Khidir, Alhassan, Yagoub Omer Taha, Thierry, Abdel Rahman, Eisa
Credit: Betway Ghana