#AFCON2023: Ghana Coach Chris Hughton Names Strong Starting Line-Up To Face Cape Verde

Chris Hughton has named Salisu Mohammed and Antoine Semenyo in his starting lineup for Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations group B opener against Cape Verde.

Salisu who plays for AS Monaco, will be making his first competitive appearance for the Black Stars since the World Cup game against Uruguay in Qatar.

He will partner Alexander Djiku in central defense, while, Gideon Mensah and Denis Odoi operate as fullbacks.

Baba Iddrisu and Majeed Ashimeru will work in the heart of the pitch. On the wings are Jordan Ayew and Joseph Painstil.

 

Richard Ofori maintains his place in the post. Antoine Semenyo leads the attack, while Ransford Yeboah Koningsdoffer plays in the hole behind Semenyo.

The game is scheduled for 8 pm kick-off at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

 

 

 

The Black Stars will be bidding for a fifth AFCON title after recent failures on the continental stage including dropping out in the group stage in the last edition.

The game at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium will be an interesting one with Cape Verde dubbed one of the surprise packages for this year’s competition.

Since George Alhassan led them to triumph in 1982, the Black Stars have failed to add to their four AFCON titles and were knocked out of the group stage by Comoros in a dramatic manner two years ago.

Since taking over as manager of Ghana last year, Chris Hughton has battled to steer the team on the right path.

Three losses in five games, including a goalless draw with Namibia in preparation for this tournament, have put them out of the top 60 of the world rankings on the eve of AFCON.

Ghana will face Cape Verde for the sixth time in their history having won four and lost the other one in their previous five meetings.

While a 2-0 loss to Tunisia in their warm-up game was disappointing, the Blue Sharks know their opponents are under more pressure to win the game on Sunday, so they can play without fear against the Black Stars.
 

 

 

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