F
R
E
E
:: About A Ball Offer ::
B
E
T
Football News
  • The season will English clubs win...

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...
  • AAB Proudly
    newsnow
    google news

    Ghana Football

    Go to: 

    Ghana

    Ghana flagGhanaian National Anthem
    National Coach: Milovan Rajevac
    National Stadium:
    FA founded: 1957 ( FA Website )
    FIFA Code: GHA
    Capital: Accra
    Population: 23,382,848
    Area: 239,460 km2
    Local Name: Ghana
    Domestic Season: November - July


    Pyramid Level 1 Ghana Premier League view 16 Teams
    Ghana Premier League
    Accra Hearts Of Oak Sporting Club (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Accra Hearts Of Oak Sporting Club homepage
    Asante Kotoko (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Asante Kotoko homepage
    Ashanti Gold Sporting Club (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 1978 (Nickname: )
    View Ashanti Gold Sporting Club homepage
    Bechem Chelsea (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Bechem Chelsea homepage
    Berekum Arsenal (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 1978 (Nickname: )
    View Berekum Arsenal homepage
    Gamba All Blacks (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Gamba All Blacks homepage
    Heart Of Lions (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Heart Of Lions homepage
    Kessben (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Kessben homepage
    King Faisal Babes (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View King Faisal Babes homepage
    Liberty Professionals (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Liberty Professionals homepage
    Real Tamale United (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Real Tamale United homepage
    Sekondi Hasaacas (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Sekondi Hasaacas homepage
    Sekondi Wise Fighters (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 1919 (Nickname: )
    View Sekondi Wise Fighters homepage
    Sporting Saint Mirren (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Sporting Saint Mirren homepage
    Tema Youth (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View Tema Youth homepage
    WA Allstars (0) [-]
    Manager / Coach:
    Chairman / President:
    Founded in: 0 (Nickname: )
    View WA Allstars homepage

    Roll of Honour

    YEAR LEAGUE CUP
    2009
    2008
    2007
    2006
    2005
    2004
    2003
    2002
    2001
    2000
    1999
    1998
    1997
    1996
    1995
    1994
    1993
    1992
    1991
    1990
    1989
    1988
    1987
    1986
    1985
    1984
    1983
    1982
    1981
    1980
    1979
    1978
    1977
    1976
    1975
    1974
    1973
    1972
    1971
    1970
    1969
    1968
    1967
    1966
    1965
    1964
    1963
    1962
    1961
    1960
    1959
    1958
    1957
    1956
    tbc
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    (calendar change)
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    Hearts of Oak
    Hearts of Oak
    Hearts of Oak
    Hearts of Oak
    Hearts of Oak
    Obuasi Goldfields
    Obuasi Goldfields
    Obuasi Goldfields
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    Asante Kotoko
    (transitional season)
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    Hearts of Oak
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    Hearts of Oak
    Hasaacas
    Hearts of Oak
    Asante Kotoko
    Great Olympics
    Hearts of Oak
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    Great Olympics
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Mysterious Dwarfs
    Asante Kotoko
    Asante Kotoko
    Real Republicans
    Hearts of Oak
    (transitional season)
    Eleven Wise
    Asante Kotoko
    Hearts of Oak
    -
    Hearts of Oak

    Other links

    Ghana Soccer – football news from GhanaWeb


    Older Ghana football news:

    Click here for all news stories on football in Ghana.

    2010 African Cup of Nations Final: Egypt 1-0 Ghana

    Go to: 

    Sunday 31st January 2010
    Estadio 11 de Novembro, Luanda, Angola
    Weather: 30c, wind 15kmph, chance of showers

    Egypt 1 (Geddo 86)
    Ghana 0

    TEAMS

    Egypt: El Hadary, Al-Muhamadi, Goma’a, Fathy (Moatasem 89), Moawad (Abdel-Shafy 55), Ghaly, Said, Hassan, Hosni, Zidan, Motaeb (Geddo 70)

    Ghana: Kingson, Inkoom, Vorsah, Addy, Sarpei, Agyemang Badu, Annan, Ayew, Asamoah, Gyan (Adiyah 87), Opoku (Addo 89)

    Tournament top scorer and super sub par excellence Mohamed Nagy “Geddo” was the hero once again as he came off the bench to grab his fifth goal of the competition and secure a 1-0 win for defending champions Egypt against a hard-working but uninspired Ghana side. His late strike was the one moment of class that lit up an otherwise uneventful final.

    Ghana kicked off the 27th African Cup of Nations final as underdogs against an Egypt team aiming to make it three successive triumphs. Egypt striker Emad Motaeb shook off a hamstring strain to make the starting line-up ahead of super sub and tournament top scorer Geddo. Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson played despite an injury that prevented him from taking his own goal kicks.

    It was a low key start to the game, with both teams taking a long time to settle, perhaps due to the pressure of the occasion. The first goalscoring opportunity came from a set piece in the eighth minute. Egypt defender Fathy body checked Asamoah to concede a free-kick 30m from goal, but Gyan’s shot hit the wall. Egypt ‘keeper El Hadary misjudged the resultant corner presenting Ghana with a half chance but they couldn’ t capitalise on his error. A long range effort from Ahmed Hassan in the 13th minute was Egypt’s first goal attempt but didn’t come close to troubling the goalkeeper. He tried again five minutes later but didn’t come much closer. Asamoah showed him how to hit the target with his own fiercely stuck shot from distance midway through the first half, but it was comfortably saved by El Hadary.

    Chances were few and far between in the first half and neither goalkeeper was properly tested. Egypt enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and dictated most of the play but weren’t allowed to get close enough to the Ghanaian goal to cause any real trouble. The Black Stars occasionally looked dangerous on the break but didn’t often get enough men forward in support of their attacks. Nobody could argue with the goalless scoreline at the interval and everybody was hoping for a bit more action in the second half.

    There were no changes during the break, but there was at least an eventful start to the second period with a flurry of yellow cards and a dangerous free-kick from Asamoah Gyan. Opoku was booked for a horrific challenge on Al-Muhamadi that could have earned him a straight red, Moawad saw yellow for a deliberate handball and then Al-Muhamadi was cautioned for a revenge challenge on Opoku, which gave Gyan the dead ball chance. His shot was tipped over the bar by El-Hahadary. After 55 minutes Shehata made his first move, replacing Moawad with Zamalek full-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafy. Hossam Ghaly soon made his way into the referee’s book for a shirt pull which resulted in yet another unsuccessful long-range free kick attempt for Ghana.

    Ghana enjoyed their best spell of the game early in the second half, playing much more positively than at any time in the first period, and as a result the game began to open up a bit with the forwards finding more space in which to work at both ends of the field. Egypt’s passing began to bear fruit and they started to create openings in the Ghana defence. Hassan claimed a penalty for a push in the back,but the referee waved play on and Ghana continued to favour shooting from outside the box over trying to work a clearer opening. In the 70th minute Shehata played his trump card, bringing on Geddo for Motaeb in the hope that the Al-Ittihad striker could score off the bench for the fifth time in the tournament.

    However, Ghana were getting more and more on top and they created three good chances in six minutes with Rennes striker Asamoah Gyan at the heart of all their mest moves. He curled a shot just wide of the far post in the 74th minute, hit another free-kick in the 79th, which El-Hadary clumisly punched away for a corner and then played in Inkoom down the right who sent an inviting cross across the Egypt goalmouth but nobody could connect in the middle. It was totally against the run of play when that man Geddo did it again; Mohamed Nagy “Geddo” picked up the ball on the left, played a neat one two with Zidan taking him inside the Ghana box where he curled a delicate finish past Kingson and just inside the far post to create jubilant scenes on the Egypt bench.

    Bizarrely, Gyan was replaced as Ghana desperately chased the game in the last few minutes but despite their pressure they weren’t able to break down the resolute Egyptian defence and the Pharaohs were crowned champions of Africa for the seventh time.

    African Cup of Nations 2010: Ghana – Egypt Preview

    Go to: 

    Kick-off: Thursday January 31, 16.00 GMT

    Location: Estadio 11 de Novembro, Luanda

    The final of the 2010 African Cup of Nations pits defending Champions and current favourites for this year’s title alongside underdogs Ghana, who have overcome injury and inexperience to make it through to the final. 

    It’s been a fascinating African Cup of Nations tournament full of intrigue and shock with some big names falling by the wayside early on and the emergence of lesser nations into the competition.  The appearance of Egypt, going for a record third consecutive continental title and sixth overall, is no shock, and they will be overwhelmingly tipped to claim the victory in the final.  However, Ghana have shown that they should never be written off and after a difficult start to the tournament have emerged as strong contenders to end Egypt’s current dominance of Africa.

    Flying Pharaohs

    Hassan Shehata’s men have so far been the class of the competition, and whilst other big names have fallen around them, they have kept their nerve playing some fine football to reach the final.  It is due reward for an excellent collective performance, and once again goes to prove what a strong side Egypt are, something they gave sporadic glimpses of in 2009.  Their Confederations Cup win over Italy in South Africa gave a hint of their potential, but a failure to capitalise on their ability in key matches in World Cup qualifying cost them dear.  That left many wondering which side of Egypt would turn up in Angola and whether the disappointment of their failure would inspire or overwhelm them.

    With that question in mind the canny Egypt manager Hassan Shehata, who has overseen this golden period in Egyptian football despite so far not being able to convert that into a World Cup berth, decided to fine tune the team and opted to take some of the fringe squad members.  Players such as Hossam Ghaly, formerly of Tottenham, were given a chance to show that they could be counted upon, whilst less experienced individuals, such as Geddo, were handed an opportunity to flourish in the spotlight.  Thus far, the policy has paid off handsomely, and the mixture of old-hands installed alongside some of the lesser known Egyptian national players has proved to be a winning combination.

    Ahmed Hassan (r) was vital in the win against Cameroon for Egypt

    A 1-0 goal deficit to Nigeria was rapidly overturned in the first pool match in Group C, and straight forward wins over Mozambique and Benin confirmed their place at the top of the table.  That set up a clash with Cameroon in the quarter-finals, and once again Egypt kept their cool after conceding the first goal to run out 3-1 winners.  The remarkable 4-0 win over Algeria in a repeat of that fateful World Cup play-off match certainly proved cathartic for the Egyptian nation as a whole and sets them up perfectly for the final.

    Whilst other sides have struggled in Angola to find their attacking groove, a lack of goals has certainly not been an issue for Egypt.  The 14-goals so far are not only by far the most of any side at the 2010 African Cup of Nations, but represent a decent total in any competition of this structure.  When taking into consideration the fact they  have played their way past three of Africa’s five representatives at next summer’s World Cup, it is all the more remarkable.

    The ability to come back from suffering the first goal in two of the pivotal matches at the tournament so far indicates that this Egyptian side have the required nerve to perform in high pressure scenarios, something that bodes well for the future, as well as this final.

    Black (Young)-Stars come of age

    The 2010 African Cup of Nations was supposed to be a question of looking to the future for Ghana as well.  After being forced to name a squad for the tournament that was missing several first team regulars through the spine of the team, Serb coach Milovan Rajevac went for a team built around the FIFA U-20 World Cup winning squad.  Ultimately seven of that successful side were called into the 23-man squad for Angola, and several have been vital in securing Ghana’s passage through to this stage.

    Can Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan find one more goal at the AFCON 2010 to defeat Egypt?

    This tournament was supposed to be a learning curve for this side, but with low initial expectations they have flourished.  The usually onerous burden of the weight of carrying a nation’s hope was further eased when they crashed to a 3-1 defeat to pre-tournament favourites the Ivory Coast in the first game.

    That loss prompted many to write off this young Ghana side as too young and inexperienced to cope at full senior international level, and that whilst they could blossom against their peers, asking them to match and compete with experienced internationals was clearly one step too far. 

    Nevertheless Ghana have fought back with three resilient performances resulting in successive 1-0 wins to initially claim second spot in Group B ahead of Burkina Faso.  They put in another gritty display in the 1-0 victory against the hosts Angola in the quarter-finals, before repeating the dose against Nigeria on Thursday in the semis. 

    A clash of style

    Whilst Egypt have been free flowing and attacking in Angola, the successive 1-0 victories goes to further highlight the fact that Ghana are rapidly becoming the first African team to be able to grind out ugly victories to further the overall progress.  Too often African sides have let themselves down with tactical indiscipline, but Ghana are showing that they can adhere to a pre-agreed set of instructions and carry them out for the entire duration of the game.

    This final will therefore be a fascinating clash of two different approaches with the same aim: victory.  Indeed the game can be likened to the Euro 2004 final, which pitted the more flamboyant Portuguese team against the pragmatic approach of Greece.  It was the Greeks that triumphed on that day, and their victory serves to show that this match will be far from one-sided. 

    Route to the final

    Ghana

    28/01/10 – Nigeria (n) 1-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Semi-Final)

    24/01/10 – Angola (a) 0-1 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Quarter-Final)

    19/01/10 – Burkina Faso (n) 1-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group B)

    15/01/10 – Ivory Coast (n) 1-3 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group B)

    Egypt

     28/01/10 – Algeria (n) 4-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Semi Final)

    25/01/10 – Cameroon (n) 3-1 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Quarter-Final)

    20/01/10 – Benin (n) 2-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group C)

    16/01/10 – Mozambique (n) 2-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group C)

    12/01/10 – Nigeria (n) 3-1 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group C)

    Team News

    Ghana

    Having been able to name a relatively settled team to reach the finals, coach Milovan Rajevac will be forced into potentially several changes to accommodate injury picked up against Nigeria.  Goalkeeper Richard Kingson looked far from comfortable in goal, and could be a doubt.  Furthermore experienced full-back Hans Sarpei came off in the second half to compound the earlier departure of forward Opoku Ageymang.  Both have been vital in progress thus far, and it remains to be seen how fit they will be for the match against Egypt.

    If either do miss the final, their replacements against Nigeria look set to start.  In the case of Sarpei that will be Ibrahima Ayew, whilst for Ageymang that will be Haminu Dramane, who started the tournament in the starting XI, and may get a chance to show what he can do in the final.

    Egypt

    In truth Egypt can consider themselves fortunate not to suffer more injuries in the semi-final to Algeria than they did.  The Fennecs totally lost their heads, and a number of rash challenges only yielded what appeared to be one semi-serious problem.  Emad Moateb came off after 51 minutes, and fans of Egypt will hoping that his withdrawal was no more than a precaution in a game that seemed as good as won, even from that point.  If the Al-Ahly forward isn’t fit, then tournament top-scorer Geddo, who has so far been used as a high-impact player from the bench, may get a chance to further extend his tally from the start. 

    Players to Watch

    Ghana

    As in the previous games, the key to Ghana’s success seems to be in resilient defending.  Therefore the spine of the team through defence and midfield will be crucial, especially Isaac Vorsah and Ageymang Badu.  Up front Asamoah Gyan will have to take at least one chance, if the game is to go Ghana’s way.  So far the Rennes striker has been the model of striking efficiency, and he will need to be at his best to find a way through the Egyptian back-line.

    Egypt

    The Egyptian threat has so far come from all sorts of different angles, but they will have to ensure that they don’t become their own worst enemy by lapsing into complacency after their excellent performances so far coupled with their status as favourites for this game.  Essential to keeping the team in focus will be the experienced players in the team such as Wael Goma’a, Ahmed Hassan and Hosny. 

    Prediction

    There are a number of keys to the game.  One is the question of whether Egypt will be able to play their fast passing game in attack on this pitch.  This will be their first time in Luanda having played all their games outside the Angolan capital.  The turf at the stadium is in shocking condition, and Ghana have already played two games on it, so know what to expect.  Egypt will not have the luxury of acclimatisation pre-match, so will need to get to grips with the unstable and rutted surface quickly during the game.

    Both sides love to push their full-backs on, and they may be left to dispute the flanks of the game, meaning that the middle of the pitch could become very congested.  The side that can move the ball quickest into attacking areas, may be the one that comes out on top.

    Egypt are probably the superior of the two teams technically, but may find it takes a while to find their passing range, so Ghana may take the lead.  Nevertheless Egypt have shown they have the resolve and mettle to bounce back, so should confirm their record sixth title and third in a row by the end of the game.

    Ghana 1-2 Egypt

    2010 African Cup of Nations: Ghana 1-0 Nigeria: Black Stars make Super Eagles pay for missing chances

    Go to: 

    Rennes striker Asamoah Gyan was the match-winner for Ghana

    Kick-off: Thursday January 28, 16.00 GMT

    Location: Estadio 11 de Novembro, Luanda, Angola

    Ghana 1 (Gyan 20)

    Nigeria 0

    TEAMS

    Ghana: Kingson – Inkoom, Vorsah, Addy, Sarpei – Ayew, Badu, Annan, Asamoah – Gyan, Opoku

    Nigeria: Enyeama – Yusuf, Nwaneri, Shittu, Echiejele – Ayila, Mikel, Kaita – Obasi, Martins, Odemwingie

    The first semi-final of the 2010 African Cup of Nations pitted West African rivals Nigeria and Ghana together for a place in the final in an encounter that was dominated by Nigeria in terms of chances.  However, the Super Eagles were unable to translate their oppurtunities into goals, and Ghana after snatching a lead in the first-half, defended doggedly to frustrate their more experienced opponents. 

    Ghana were able to call on Rosenborg-midfielder Anthony Annan for the first time in the tournament at the heart of the team, with Dramane dropping to the bench to accommodate the change. 

    Nigeria were able to start Obafemi Martins for the first time in Angola, and he came in for the disappointing Yakubu.  The availability of Martins almost paid immediate dividends when a ball was lofted into the Ghana penalty area, but just evaded the Wolfsburg-based striker, who had broken into the box. 

    Ghana get into their groove

    The early opening suggested it might be an exciting encounter, but the game quickly settled into a cautious pattern, with neither side too keen to commit men forward.  However, on 20 minutes Ghana stunned Nigeria by grabbing a goal from a set piece.  A well delivered out-swinging cross from the Ghana left by Kwadwo Asamoah was met by the head of Asamoah Gyan to divert the ball into the net to make it 1-0 with the Nigerian defence left static. 

    Five minutes later and Gyan might have doubled Ghana’s lead when he side-footed a looping effort just over the bar.  The ball just wouldn’t quite dip enough, but it certainly had Vincent Enyeama back-peddling nervously in the Nigerian goal. 

    Nigeria respond

    Nigeria should have struck back on 27 minutes through Obafemi Martins.  A shot from outside the area by Peter Odemwingie fell at the feet of Martins, who found himself in the way of the effort.  The former Newcastle-forward turned on the ball in a flash, but with just the keeper to beat and from no more than 6 yards somehow managed to hit Kingson, the Ghanaian goalie. 

    The Super Eagles continued to push forward for the equaliser and Uwa Echiejele, the left-back for Nigeria, curled a wonderful ball to the far post with both Martins and Odemwigie waiting with intent.  It was Odemwingie who got his head to the ball, but delivered his effort wide of the post to let Ghana off after some shabby defending. 

    Just before the interval Sani Kaita let fly with a long-range effort, which had a few Nigerian supporters out of their seats.  The ball hit the stanchion and rippled the outside of the netting.  Into injury time and Peter Odemwingie attempted an effort at the near post from a short corner, although should probably have squared the pass back to the waiting Martins in the middle. 

    Ghana after their goal just before the midpoint were pleased to just get into the break with their advantage intact.  After suffering several injuries during the half, which forced them into a change up front and the goalkeeper Richard Kingson having some treatment, they started dropping deep and allowing Nigeria to dominate possession.  Nigeria having created several presentable chances had been unable to take advantage of any of them, but their attacking performance was an improvement on their previous games at the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

    Nigeria continued to take the game to Ghana in the second half, but it took nearly a quarter of an hour for them to create a genuine chance.  Sani Keita chipped a ball forward, which was helped on by Mikel to the onrushing Martins.  However, Martins was charged down by Richard Kingson, who made himself big to block the attempted volley.  Shortly after, the architect of that chance Mikel should have done better with a shot from outside the area, but hit his curling attempt well-wide in the end.

    The Black Stars finally managed an attempt in the second half on 64 minutes when midfielder Ageymang-Badu brought a good save out of Vincent Enyeama in the Nigerian goal at his near post with a low shot.

    Nigeria pay the price for profligacy

    The chances continued to mount up for Nigeria when a long ball over the top on 70 minutes couldn’t quite be controlled by Obafemi Martins.  Perhaps rusty after not seeing too much action in the tournament so far the first touch just got away from Martins, and gave the covering Ghana defender Isaac Vorsah a chance to close him down.

    Another outstanding Nigeria chance was passed up when recent arrival Yakubu couldn’t stab home from close range.  Good work between Obasi and Echijele down the left worked in the Rennes left-back for a crossing chance.  However, Echijele got too much on the pass into the middle, and the ball ricocheted off Yakubu’s left knee and behind.

    Obafemi Martins’ pace continued to cause the Ghana defence problems when another ball over the top nearly set him away.  Once again though, Martins’ control let him down, as the difficult and patchy surface caught him out as it had on several previous occasions. 

    Nigeria continued to press forward with increasing urgency as Ghana failed to hold onto the ball for any length of time, but they struggled to test the increasingly injury-hampered Richard Kingson with any regularity, and so the match was decided by the 20th minute goal in favour of Ghana.

    The progress to the final for Ghana is pretty remarkable given the problems they have encountered on the way.  However, for Nigeria they will be left to wander what might have been if they had been able to call on a fully match-fit Obafemi Martins and Yakubu for the game.  They falter at the semi-final stage once again.

     

     

    African Cup of Nations 2010: Ghana – Nigeria Preview

    Go to: 

    There will be plenty of pressure on Nigerian coach Shaibu Amodu

    Kick-off: Thursday January 28, 16.00 GMT

    Location: Estadio 11 de Novembro, Luanda

    The first semi-final at the 2010 African Cup of Nations kicks off pitting two of West Africa’s giants together in a repeat of the quarter-final two seasons ago, in which Ghana prevailed.  Ghana’s young team has grown into the tournament as they have progressed, but Nigeria are still to show their full potential.

    Whilst the second semi-final between Egypt and Algeria has the obvious feel of a grudge match to it, there is also something of a clash in this match too.  The youth of Ghana will be matched up against the more experienced team of Nigeria.  It will be fascinating to see whether youth and enthusiasm prevail over old-age and treachery.

    Ghana growing

    It’s been an African Cup of Nations that hasn’t favoured the better fancied sides with several of the well-tipped teams, such as Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, falling at the quarter-final stage.  It looked initially like Ghana’s tournament might be heading the same way when they slumped to a 3-1 defeat to the Ivory Coast in their first game in Group B and then laboured to a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso, but things have improved gradually.

    There has been plenty to cheer for fans of Ghana as the AFCON 2010 has progressed

    Much of the slow start in Angola can be traced to the very difficult opening that the Black Stars endured, which included the terrorism surrounding the Togolese team in the city Ghana were also supposed to be preparing and playing in, as well as injuries to key players both before the tournament started and during.  Minus key individuals such as Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari, Ghana’s first steps in the tournament were bound to be somewhat tentative.

    However, their hard-fought victory over hosts Angola in the quarter-final in front of a fiercely passionate and partisan home crowd indicates that slowly Ghana are becoming a force to be counted on.

    Much credit must go to the Ghanaian management team, who after selecting several members from the successful U-20 side from the FIFA World Youth Championships held last year in Egypt, have been able to cajole some outstanding performances from their young charges. 

    The difficult start at the competition has also seen Ghana dodge their usual status as one of the sides to beat, so whilst the favourites have been falling like ten-pins at a pro-bowling tournament, Ghana have been able to plot their way through to this stage in relatively unheralded fashion.

    The not-so Super Eagles

    Whilst it has been a tournament of progress for Ghana, the same can’t be said of Nigeria, who have stumbled through to this stage seemingly more by luck than good fortune.  After a fast start against Egypt, which saw them snatch the lead, they slumped to a 3-1 defeat in a game they were scarcely in after the first quarter of an hour.

    The Super Eagles can consider themselves fortunate to have been drawn into a group which also contained Benin and Mozambique, and with the first tough match out of the way they racked up the requisite six points against the minnows.  However, although their performance against Mozambique in the final game was better than in the previous two, they were back to their jaded selves against Zambia in the quarter-finals.

    It eventually took penalties to overcome the stubborn resistance of the Copper-Bullets, and in truth after half-time were distinctly second best to a side they should have been able to overcome.  Nevertheless there were some positives to be taken from the 0-0, mainly focussing on the defensive aspects of the game.  Yusuf Mohamed summed up Nigeria’s gritty determination by twice clearing Zambian shots off the line to preserve the clean-sheet and keep his side in the contest.

    However, steadfastness in the face of attack is not enough to keep the Nigerian public happy, and with such playing resources available, the disappointing approach play and output in the final third is not up to scratch.

    Youth vs. Experience

    The match therefore is delicately poised.  On the one side is a young Ghana side that has shed its status as favourites and flourished as underdogs, and on the other a Nigerian team that is yet to fulfil its considerable potential.

    Under usual circumstances Nigeria should be favourites, but given their poor performance overall in Angola. the balance might just tilt the way of Ghana.  One aspect that may favour Ghana is that they have had one day more of rest in between this game and their quarter-final. In addition they weren’t forced into a potentially wearying 30 minutes of extra-time and mentally sapping penalty shoot-out, and overall they’ve also played a game less too.  Therefore they should be more refreshed both physically and mentally than their Nigerian opponents.  Furthermore what Ghana lack for in terms of experience, they will gain back in youthful enthusiasm, and so should be better equipped to cope with the games coming so soon after another.

    Team Form

    Ghana

    24/01/10 – Angola (a) 0-1 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Quarter-Final)

    19/01/10 – Burkina Faso (n) 1-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group B)

    15/01/10 – Ivory Coast (n) 1-3 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group B)

     05/01/10 – Malawi (h) 0-0 (International Friendly)

    18/11/09 – Angola (a) 0-0 (International Friendly)

    Nigeria

    25/01/10 – Zambia (n) 0-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Quarter-Final)

    20/01/10 – Mozambique (n) 3-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group C)

    16/01/10 – Benin (n) 1-0 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group C)

    12/01/10 – Egypt (n) 1-3 (2010 African Cup of Nations, Group C)

    14/11/09 – Kenya (a) 2-3 (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)

    Team News

    Ghana

    Most of Ghana’s injury woes seemed to occur pre-tournament with the loss of the like of Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah, followed by the subsequent departure of Michael Essien.  Since the tournament started though, Ghana have been able to get the team to full-fitness and lingering concerns over Asamoah Gyan were allayed after his outstanding contribution to the quarter-final victory against Angola.  It would therefore be no surprise to see Milovan Rajevac name an unchanged side in comparison to the team that took to the field on Sunday.

    Nigeria

    Whilst Ghana appear to have overcome their injury misery, the same can’t be said of Nigeria, who have been plagued throughout the 2010 African Cup of Nations.  Obafemi Martins has struggled with a shin injury and even spent some time back in Europe to get treatment on it.  Fellow striker Yakubu has looked far from match fit, whilst his club-colleague Joseph Yobo has been forced out of the tournament entirely with a hamstring pull. 

    As if all the injuries weren’t enough, they will also have to do without the suspended Onyekachi Apam, who saw red for two bookings against Zambia.  That may see Swiss-based Obinna Nwaneri come into the starting XI in his place.

    Players to Watch

    Ghana

    Two players that have really blossomed at the 2010 African Cup of Nations are central midfielders Kwadwo Asamoah and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu.  Both with Udinese in Serie A, the pair look to have an exciting future ahead of them based on their performances in Angola.  Nevertheless they will need to be at the top of their game to cope with a Nigerian midfield packed with experience and power.

    Nigeria

     It was another below-par performance against Zambia in the attack, and Nigeria simply must get Peter Odemwingie and Chinedu Obasi into the match more.  Both are lively attackers both through the channels and in the middle, and can cause any team a problem if given enough service. 

    Prediction

    Taking into account Ghana’s extra fitness and youthfulness over their opponents combined with Nigeria’s lacklustre tournament, the Black Stars should prevail on this occasion.  It will however be a tight game, as Nigeria will be difficult to break down, so don’t expect a feast of goals.

    Ghana 1-0 Nigeria

    Football Club Rankings
    Switch to our mobile site