Posted by The Black Stars of Ghana will come up against Nicaragua in an International friendly game at the Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco based in Lorca later today.
The two teams head into the game at the back of defeat in their last outing. Ghana lost 3-0 to giants Brazil at the Stade Oceane in Le Harve on Friday night, while Nicaragua suffered a 2-1 loss to Suriname at the Yanmar Stadion on Thursday.
The game on Tuesday in Lorca will be the first meeting between the two sides and Ghana will hope to use it to get their preparations for the 2022 World Cup to be played in Qatar back on track.
Team news
The Black Stars will head into the game without the services of Thomas Partey. The Arsenal midfielder was granted permission by the Ghana FA to travel back to London for further assessment after picking up a suspected knee injury in the warmup of the defeat to Brazil.
Ghana is also sweating on the fitness of center-back Alexander Djiku and right-back Tariq Lamptey. The duo were not involved in the team’s final training session on Monday and will be assessed for the game.
All other players are in good condition and are available for the game.
Predicted lineup
Otto Addo is expected to make numerous changes to the team that lost 3-0 to Brazil. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is expected to maintain the 3-4-3 formation that changed the dimension of the game in the second half against Brazil.
Goalkeeper Richard Ofori who hasn’t featured for the team since September 2021 against South Africa is expected to start to start in goal.
Mohammed Salisu who’s largely credited for Ghana’s decent display in the second half against Brazil is expected to start in defense, alongside Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku/Alidu Seidu.
Tariq Lamptey is expected to earn his first start, starting at right wing back. Should he miss the game, Dennis Odoi is expected to step in.
Gideon Mensah is also expected to start at left wing back position, while Elisha Owusu and Daniel Kofi-Kyereh occupy the midfield positions.
The attack is expected to be led by Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo and Osman Bukari.
Kick off time and where to watch
The game will kickoff at 6:00pm GMT and will be telecasted on Max TV, StarTimes Adepa channel and Ghana Football app, which is available to download on Google Play store and Apple Store.
Prediction
The Black Stars were largely underwhelming against Brazil, but they will be expected to fare better against a less illustrious opponent.
Despite Nicaragua’s decent form that has seen them lose two games this year, it is hard to see them stop Ghana who are 79 places above them in the latest FIFA ranking. We tip Ghana to win the game by 4-0.
Ghana 4-0 Nicaragua