Ghana and Madagascar are gearing up for an important clash at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium on Sunday at 2 pm local time, as they meet in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
While Ghana aim to secure their qualification with a win, Madagascar, who have no chance of advancing, are determined to challenge the four-time African champions.
Currently, Madagascar sit at the bottom of the group with just one point from four games. They find themselves seven points behind second-placed Angola, effectively eliminating them from contention for next year’s tournament.
In contrast, Ghana have fared better in the qualifiers, positioning themselves favourably. They have achieved two victories, including an impressive 3-0 win over Madagascar at the Cape Coast stadium, and secured draws in the remaining two matches.
Currently tied with Angola on eight points, the Black Stars are in prime position to secure qualification. A win against Madagascar would guarantee their advancement. However, a draw would require them to avoid defeat in their final game against third-placed Central African Republic, who have won seven points, in order to secure their spot.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
MADAGASCAR’S FORM
Madagascar’s form has been less favourable in their recent matches. They suffered consecutive defeats in the AFCON qualifiers against the Central African Republic. In the COSAFA Cup, they were also defeated by South Africa and Namibia. They managed to salvage a draw against Angola in the AFCON qualifiers which is their best result in their last five games.
27 March 2023 Central African Republic 2-0 Madagascar 2023 AFCON qualifiers
23 March 2023 Madagascar 0-3 Central African Republic 2023 AFCON qualifiers
15 July 2022 Madagascar 1-2 South Africa COSAFA Cup
12 June 2022 Madagascar 0-2 Namibia COSAFA Cup
5 June 2022 Madagascar 1-1 Angola 2023 AFCON qualifiers
GHANA’S FORM
Ghana’s form has been a mix of results in their last five matches. In the AFCON qualifiers, they had a narrow victory against Angola and a draw over the same team. However, in the 2022 World Cup, they faced defeats against Uruguay and Portugal but managed to secure a thrilling win against South Korea.
27 March 2023 Angola 1-1 Ghana 2023 AFCON qualifiers
23 March 2023 Ghana 1-0 Angola 2023 AFCON qualifiers
2 December 2022 Ghana 0–2 Uruguay 2022 World Cup Group H
28 November 2022 South Korea 2-3 Ghana 2022 World Cup Group H
24 November 2022 Portugal 3-2 Ghana 2022 World Cup Group H
HEAD TO HEAD
The only official meeting between the two sides was their first match of the qualification series which Ghana won 3-0 thanks to goals from Mohammed Kudus, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Osman Bukari.
1 June 2022 Ghana 3-0 Madagascar AFCON Qualifiers
TEAM NEWS
MADAGASCAR
Among Madagascar’s newly appointed manager, Rakotondrabe’s 29 man-squad are Toky Rakotondraibe and Tokiniaina Randriatsiferana, the top scorers in the local league with a key absentee being Ratchaburi FC attacker Njiva Rakotoharimalala who has been ruled out due to injury. Romain Metanire, a former Minnesota United player, has also been added to the team, although Rayan Raveloson of AJ Auxerre will miss out due to personal reasons.
TEAM NEWS
GHANA
Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has confirmed a group of 24 players for the forthcoming match. Gideon Mensah has been the latest to be ruled out due to injury with Tariq Lamptey, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Salisu, Baba Rahman, and Inaki Williams all missing out. Arsenal’s Thomas Partey is likely to play a crucial role, aided by Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Joseph Paintsil, and Osman Bukari. Due to the withdrawal of Inaki Williams, Hafiz Konkoni, who scored 15 goals in the Ghana Premier League, will compete for a starting spot. Joseph Aidoo and Daniel Amartey are likely to form the centre-back tandem.
