Ghana are eager to make it two wins on the trot as they travel to Estadio Nacional 12 de Julho to face Sao Tome and Principe in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Monday.
Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus were on target as Ghana recorded a fairly comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa in their first qualifying match in Cape Coast last Thursday.
The Falcons were however thrashed 4-0 by Sudan and will look to make their home advantage count against Kwesi Appiah’s men.
The Black Stars are on a mission to attain their fifth AFCON title while Sao Tome are aiming to participate in the main tournament for the first time in their history.
What is the kick-off time?
The match will start at exactly 13:00 GMT.
Team news–Ghana
Christopher Antwi-Adjei is now part of the squad and is available for selection after missing South Africa due to late arrival in camp.
Kwesi Appiah will also be happy that the players who featured against South Africa came out unscathed. There are no suspensions as well.
Team news- Sao Tome
Gustave Clement Nyoumba has a fully fit squad available. He will, however, have to select his side without experienced shot stopper Primo as he received a red card against Sudan.
Head to head record
This will be the first ever meeting of the two teams in any competition.
Predicted starting XI for Ghana: Richard Ofori, Andy Yiadom, Kassim Nuhu, Joseph Aidoo, Gideon Mensah, Iddrisu Baba, Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Emmanuel Boateng
Predicted starting XI for Sao Tome and Principe: Gilmar, Jordao Diogo, Ivonaldo Viegas, Leonildo Soares, Charles Monteiro, Marcos Lima Barbeiro, Jocy, Jardel Nazare, Eduardo Assuncao, Iniesta, Luis Leal
Key players- Ghana
Jordan Ayew- The striker has been one of the best players in the Crystal Palace setup, scoring four goals in 11 Premier League games. Jordan has managed to find the net against Manchester United and Arsenal so far this season.
Andre Ayew- Andre is also experiencing a purple patch in the English Championship this season. The Swansea City vice-captain has scored six and assisted three goals in 15 appearances.
Key players- Sao Tome and Principe
Luis Leal- The Newell’s Old Boys forward has scored 6 goals in 12 appearances for the Falcons, the most by any player in the country. Leal will have the weight of his country on his shoulders against Ghana on Monday..
Jocy- The captain is the most experienced person in the country’s current setup with 20 appearances under his belt. Gustave Clement Nyoumba will task the Uniao Desportiva Rei Amador midfielder to showcase his leadership skills in the upcoming match.
Match Facts
Sao Tome and Principe have never participated in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Ghana have however featured in the competition on 22 occasions and have won it 4 times.
Sao Tome and Principe have conceded six goals in their last three matches (2 goals per game). Ghana have conceded one goal in their last three.
Sao Tome’s biggest defeat till date was against Congo in 1976 (11-0). Ghana’s biggest defeat came 8 years earlier to Bulgaria (10-0).
Source: Joy Sports
