Ghana vs Mozambique: preview and predicted XI

Ghana vs Mozambique concludes the round of matches in Group B. This is a bottom-of-the-table clash between the West Africans and their East African counterparts. The Black Stars sit third with a superior goal difference and only a win will guarantee they may qualify for the knockout stages.

These two sides have met frequently in the Cup of Nations and while Ghana has often been superior, they failed to win in their last outing. The first Ghana vs Mozambique meeting came in 1996 in the Africa Cup Nations, when Ghana won a 2-0 victory. Two years later, they met in an international friendly which ended in a scoreless draw. Then again they met for the second time that year in another friendly. Though Ghana won, Mozambique scored their first goal against the Black Stars in a 3-1 defeat.

Their next meeting came in 1999 at the Cup of Nations where Ghana urged via a 1-0 victory, There was no Ghana vs Mozambique until 2016 when they met in Group H during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series. The Black Stars secured a 3-1 home win before playing out a draw in Maputo days later.

Only Jordan Ayew from the current squad started both matches. Daniel Amartey was substituted during the first leg and sat out during the second leg. Witi, Gildo and Edmilson were all part of that Mozambique squad.

Predicted XI: Ghana vs Mozambique

Pressure is under coach Chris Hughton to secure a win in this Ghana vs Mozambique encounter. The fate of the Black Stars hangs on the out of this match rather than other results from other groups. Whereas a victory for Egypt would see the Black Stars miss out on automatic qualification from Group B, any other result would grant the Black Stars passage provided they can secure a win. That explains why there is no option but a win for Ghana.

With that in mind, we present our predicted starting XI for the match. Several key names may miss out today despite playing in the previous encounters.

Richard Ofori is expected to retain his place in the starting XI and we expect his front to be guarded by Djiku as always but this time with Daniel Amartey as his partner. We will also opt to maintain Gideon Mensah at left full-back provided he is fit. Denis Odoi has come under criticism but he has discharged himself well.

Salis Samed and Majeed Ashimeru did a great job in midfield and will maintain their places if they are fit. Antione Semenyo has been a quality threat upfront just that the goals are yet to come but he will surely be a good threat against Mozambique. Poster boy Mohammed Kudus will form the last piece of the midfield trident. Inaki had a bad outing due to that unfortunate mistake that led to the goal and he may be likely to start from the bench. Ernest Nuamah will likely come in for him with Jordan moving to the left wing.

Starting XI: Richard Ofori, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi, Majeed Ashimeru, Salis Samed, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo.