Posted by Ghana will take on Angola in the third qualifying game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, March 23.
The Black Stars are returning to action for the first time since their disappointing showdown at the 2023 World Cup in Qatar, bowing out the competition in the group stages and with just 3 points.
Chris Hughton will be leading the team in his first game since his appointment and will be hoping to secure Ghana’s second win in the qualifiers.
The former Newcastle United coach will have the services of all the players he called up, with the exception of Tariq Lamptey who pulled out of the qualifiers due to an injury and was replaced by Kingsley Schindler of FC Koln.
Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu is likely to miss Thursday’s game due to an injury, Chris Hughton revealed during the pre-match conference.
Salisu had recently returned from the injury and saw 83 minutes of action for Southampton in their 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspurs at St. Mary’s over the weekend.
“Our only injury concern is Salisu; he’s a doubt for the game because he’s suffered some recent injuries at his club,” said Chris Hughton during the pre-match conference.
Goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott who’s returning to the national team after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a finger injury has been cleared to feature on Thursday.
There were fears the Charlton goalkeeper will miss Thursday’s game after he pulled out of training on Tuesday after a goalpost toppled over and fell on him during training on Tuesday night.
All other players who were called up are also fit and available for selection.
How Ghana could lineup
Lawrence Ati-Zigi who was in post in all the World Cup games is expected to start in goal, ahead of Jojo Wollacott and Abdul Manaf Nurudeen.
The back four is expected to be occupied by Dennis Odoi, Gideon Mensah, Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku.
Abdul Samed Salis and Thomas Partey are expected to sit in front of the defense, while Mohammed Kudus is expected to play slightly ahead of the two.
The attack is expected to be lead by skipper Andre Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Inaki Williams.
