Ghana will face Namibia in a friendly on Monday before the teams start their African Cup of Nations campaign. This year’s AFCON kicks off on January 14 when the Black Stars take on Cape Verde. Two days later, the Southern African nation plays its tournament opener against Tunisia.
Preview (Ghana vs. Namibia)
Despite dominating the continent four times, in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982, Ghana is one of the outsiders for the championship going into AFCON 2023. After forty years, they are still striving for success. Chris Hughton wants to be the one to give the West African nation its fifth title. Before traveling to Ivory Coast, the Black Stars play Namibia in the finals. Will their performance as four-time champions concern fans? Despite supporters’ claims that two of Ghana’s losses occurred in friendlies against Mexico (2-0) and the USA, the team has lost three of its last four games across all competitions.
But the 1-0 loss to Comoros in World Cup qualifying in November raised red flags. The Black Stars are hoping to feel confident ahead of their match against Cape Verde. As for Namibia, they are competing in their second AFCON since the 2010 finals in Angola. It emphasizes the importance of entering the tournament with confidence in their ability to advance to the knockout stages. They have never advanced past the group stage at the continental championship. Collin Benjamin’s forces can change the course of events in the Ivory Coast.
In Kumasi on Monday, the underdogs take on the Black Stars in the hopes of recording a positive result before going up against Tunisia, South Africa, and Mali. The Brave Warriors defeated Sao Tome & Principe 2-0 in late November, ending a six-game losing streak that was generally discouraging. They intend to apply that performance against Ghana, but against stronger opponents. In fact, for the nation in southern Africa, Monday’s match may be more than just a friendly.
Team News
Thomas Partey is not included in Ghana’s AFCON roster, but Muhammad Kudus of West Ham United might play on Monday for the four-time African winners. Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace, Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth, and Inaki Williams of Athletic Club might be the forward line for the West African nation. In addition to participating in Monday’s match, Black Stars captain Andre Ayew is expected to compete in his ninth Cup of Nations.
Namibia’s best player in AFCON qualifying was Peter Shalulie, who scored four goals. The striker is expected to start the friendly on Monday. Though Ryan Nyambe (Derby County), Aprocitus Petrus (Liria Prizren), Prins Tijueza (Liria Prizren), and Petrus Shitembi (Kuching City) play outside of Africa, the majority of Benjamin’s side is active in the continent.
Ghana 2 – 0 Namibia
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