Ghana is poised to host the Central African Republic on Thursday, September 7, in a crucial match as part of the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
This international break marks the final round of qualifiers for the tournament scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast early next year. Group E features three teams that have the opportunity to secure qualification.
Currently, Ghana leads the group with 9 points, followed by Angola with 8 points, and the Central African Republic with 7 points. Madagascar, positioned at the bottom of Group E, is unable to qualify for the 2023 AFCON regardless of their result against Angola.
Given the high stakes, the match between Ghana and the Central African Republic is the standout fixture in Group E. In their previous encounter in the group, both teams displayed a strong fight, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
With only two points separating the two nations, neither side can afford a defeat that would deny them qualification for the 2023 AFCON.
Tactician Raoul Savoy, leading the Central African Republic, acknowledges that Ghana is the favorite heading into this pivotal game, but his team is confident it can defy the odds and surprise the Black Stars in front of their home fans.
Ghana's head coach, Chris Hughton, has been diligently preparing his squad for this crucial showdown since Monday. Despite an injury forcing Joseph Paintsil to withdraw from the 25-man squad, Hughton remains optimistic that Ghana can secure a victory with the talent and quality within the remaining 24-man squad.
Chris Hughton, a former manager at Brighton & Hove Albion, is under pressure to achieve a favorable result following an unconvincing start to his tenure as Black Stars head coach.
The match between Ghana and the Central African Republic is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and it will be live on GTV Sports plus and CAF's Youtube page.
