Sports Mole previews Friday’s World Cup Qualifiers – Africa clash between Ghana and Madagascar, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Group I in CAF World Cup qualifiers will begin this week, with Ghana taking over Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday night.
The Black Stars are looking to get off to a winning start and are the pre-tournament favorites to top this group, which also features Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros and Mali.
Match preview
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Despite being one of the most decorated nations on the continent, Ghana has fallen in the rankings in recent years, now in 11th place among all African nations, according to FIFA’s points system.
The Black Stars have had a solid African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign over the past two years, winning their group by 12 points and maintaining an unbeaten record during that time.
However, since then, they have experienced a bit of a dip in form and come into this match on the back of back-to-back defeats to Mexico and the United States last month.
While losing to these higher-ranked opponents away from home can be forgivable, the main concern for Chris Hughton it will be that his side have not been able to find the back of the net once in any of those games, but have conceded six in that time.
However, back at home here, the hosts will be full of confidence as they have an excellent home record behind them with nine consecutive wins, including a 3-0 win over the opposition in January.
In contrast, Madagascar had a very poor run in the AFCON qualifiers as they finished bottom of their group with just three points and failed to win any of their six games in the tournament.
However, their performance in these qualifiers was arguably not a fair reflection of their ability, as they showed earlier in the year when they finished a very creditable third in the CAF African Nations Championship.
Notably, Barea was drawn in the same group as the Black Stars at the Nations Championship and beat them in the group stages, which consisted of just three teams after Morocco’s exit from the tournament.
The visitors beat Benin 2-1 in a friendly last month to end a five-match winless streak, and while the odds are stacked against them in this match, it wouldn’t be a total shock if they managed to get a result in this.
Ghana kit (all competitions):
Madagascar Kit (all competitions):
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Team news
The Blacks Stars brought in three goalkeepers, Lawrence Ati Ziggy, Jojo Wollacott and Richard Oforiin this contest, although the former is expected to get the nod between the sticks for this first match.
Andre Ayew has been short of match time in recent months, but is expected to start this match alongside Joseph Paintsil and Muhammad Qudouswhile Thomas Partey he should be the deepest midfielder.
Tsiri Tokinandenaina and Jean Yves Razafindrakoto Both got on the scoresheet for Madagascar against Benin last month and should retain their place in the starting XI for this match.
Loic Lapoussin was an unused substitute in that match but is expected to return to the attack here together Arnaud Randrianantenaina.
Ghana’s probable starting line-up:
Zigi? Seidu, N. Opoku, J. Opoku, Mensah; Partey, Owusu; Kudus, Ayew, Paintsil; Williams
Possible Madagascar XI:
Adrien? Rabemanjara, Ramanjary, Razafindraibeharimihanta, Fortun; Lalaina, Ilaimaharitra, Tokinantenaina, Raveloson; Randrianandenaina, Lapoussin
We say: Ghana 2-1 Madagascar
While the visitors are the clear underdogs heading into this match, it is worth noting that they are unbeaten in their last two matches against this opponent. However, both of those games were at home.
We are still waiting for a whole-hearted performance from Barea, but we believe the Black Stars will make their home advantage count by running out narrow winners.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scores and more for this match, click here.
Top tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com predict under 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they have in store for this game and more of their tried and tested football tips.Under 2.5:data