Ghana’s Black Stars are set to face Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium. Both teams come into this match with high stakes, seeking crucial points to advance their qualification campaigns. Ghana, led by coach Otto Addo, will be without several key players, including Thomas Partey, Joseph Paintsil, Kingsley Schindler, and Osman Ibrahim, all sidelined due to injuries. These absences have caused some reshuffling within the squad, giving other players an opportunity to step up .
The confirmed starting lineup for Ghana is expected to feature Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal, with Tariq Lamptey and Alidu Seidu occupying the full-back positions. The center-back partnership will likely consist of Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku, forming a strong defensive core. In midfield, Majid Ashimeru and Elisha Owusu will anchor the team, while the attacking threat is expected to come from Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo .
Sudan, under coach Kwesi Appiah, enters the match with a fully fit squad. Their likely starting lineup will include Mohamed in goal, supported by Koko, Karshom, Khamis, and Abdala in defense. The midfield will see Khidir and Eisa driving play forward, with Omer and Thierry providing offensive support .
Historically, Ghana has dominated this fixture, winning 10 out of the 14 previous meetings between the two nations. However, Sudan, under new management, has shown resilience in recent games and is looking to disrupt Ghana’s rhythm, especially in front of a passionate home crowd in Accra. The match is predicted to be a closely contested affair, with Ghana favored but Sudan having the potential to surprise .
The absence of key players like Partey may affect Ghana’s midfield dynamism, but the presence of talents such as Kudus and Ayew offers hope for a strong performance. Sudan, on the other hand, will look to exploit any defensive lapses and capitalize on set pieces, where they have traditionally been strong. Both teams are aware that a win could significantly boost their chances of AFCON qualification .
As Ghana prepares to face Sudan in the AFCON 2025 qualifier, several factors will shape the outcome, both in terms of team selection and tactical play. The absence of Ghana’s star players due to injury, including key midfielder Thomas Partey, has caused a reshuffle in the Black Stars’ formation. Partey, a key figure in controlling the midfield and linking up play, will be missed. His experience and ability to dictate the tempo of the game are critical, especially in high-stakes matches like this one. Joseph Paintsil’s pace and attacking flair will also be absent, along with Schindler and Osman Ibrahim .
However, Ghana boasts a talented squad that includes several rising stars and experienced players. Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who has been a dependable figure in goal, will once again be tasked with organizing the defense. The backline, anchored by the solid partnership of Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku, will provide a formidable barrier to Sudan’s attack. Full-backs Tariq Lamptey and Alidu Seidu are expected to support both defensively and offensively, contributing to width in the attack when needed .
In the midfield, the duo of Majid Ashimeru and Elisha Owusu will take on defensive responsibilities, protecting the backline while also pushing forward when possible. Ashimeru, known for his ability to break up opposition play, will be key in Ghana’s efforts to control the midfield and initiate counter-attacks. Mohammed Kudus, who has been in fine form for both club and country, will be the creative outlet, linking the midfield and the forward line. His dribbling ability and vision will be crucial in unlocking Sudan’s defense .
On the attacking front, Jordan Ayew’s experience and tactical awareness will provide leadership and composure, especially in creating chances for Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to lead the line. Fatawu Issahaku, a promising young talent, will add flair and unpredictability on the wings, potentially giving Sudan’s defense a difficult time.
Sudan, on the other hand, arrives in Accra with no major injury concerns and will be looking to take advantage of any disorganization in Ghana’s reshuffled lineup. Kwesi Appiah, now at the helm of Sudan, brings valuable knowledge of Ghanaian football, having coached the Black Stars previously. This familiarity could offer Sudan an edge in exploiting Ghana’s weaknesses .
Tactically, Sudan will likely aim to keep the game tight and compact, focusing on defensive solidity while looking to break on the counter-attack. Mohamed, their reliable goalkeeper, will play a crucial role in organizing the defense and keeping Ghana’s attackers at bay. The Sudanese defense, led by Koko and Karshom, will have to stay disciplined to contain Ghana’s mobile and skillful forward line .
Given their superior head-to-head record, Ghana is expected to be the favorite, but Sudan’s improved form under Appiah and their determination to secure a result away from home means the contest could be much closer than expected. Ghana will need to be wary of Sudan’s ability to strike on the counter and their effectiveness in set-piece situations .
Both teams are under pressure to deliver, with AFCON qualification hanging in the balance. While Ghana holds the upper hand in terms of overall quality and home advantage, the absence of key players could make the match more unpredictable. Sudan, buoyed by Appiah’s inside knowledge of the Black Stars and a fully fit squad, will look to capitalize on any uncertainty in Ghana’s camp.
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