Ghana is poised to host Madagascar in the first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Friday, November 17, 2023.
The Black Stars aim to secure a decisive victory against Madagascar to bolster their confidence for the subsequent fixture against Comoros in Moroni on Tuesday, November 21.
After thorough observation of the Black Stars' training sessions, the anticipated starting lineup for the clash against Madagascar is as follows:
**Probable Lineup:**
**Goalkeeper (GK): Lawrence Ati Zigi**
- The St Gallen goalkeeper, despite a late arrival in camp, participated in two training sessions and is likely to start ahead of Jojo Wollacott and Richard Ofori, leveraging his position as the first-choice goalkeeper.
**Right-Back (RB): Alidu Seidu**
- Coach Chris Hughton might adopt a 4-2-4 formation, with Alidu Seidu expected to start as the right-back, displaying his energy and agility against Madagascar's attacking prowess.
**Left-Back (LB): Gideon Mensah**
- Despite recent underwhelming performances, Gideon Mensah could get the nod for the left-back role, edging out Abdul Fatawu Hamidu.
**Center-Back (CB): Daniel Amartey**
- An experienced player, Amartey is set to anchor the defense, providing a significant boost to the Ghanaian squad.
**Center-Back (CB): Nicholas Opoku**
- Expected to partner with Amartey in the heart of the defense, Opoku might start ahead of Nurudeen Abdulai and Kassim Adams.
**Defensive Midfield (DM): Baba Iddrisu**
- In the absence of Thomas Partey, Baba Iddrisu is a likely choice for the defensive midfield role against Madagascar.
**Central Midfield (CM): Abdul Salis Samed**
- Salis is anticipated to pair with Baba Iddrisu in central midfield, showcasing his excellent form at the club level.
**Right Winger (RW): Inaki Williams**
- Williams may not start as the center forward but is expected to feature as a right winger, utilizing his speed in the role he's familiar with from his time at Athletic Bilbao.
**Left Winger (LW): Jordan Ayew**
- Ayew could assume the left winger position, supporting Gideon Mensah defensively while contributing to the attacking efforts.
**Center Forward (CF): Mohammed Kudus**
- Kudus is likely to play behind the center forward, operating in a playmaking role to dictate the play with his vision, control, and passing range.
**Center Forward (CF): Antoine Semenyo**
- Semenyo might start as the center forward, using his strength to press the Madagascar defenders, potentially edging out Inaki Williams and Jonathan Sowah for the position.
This probable lineup reflects the coach's strategic choices based on the players' performances and positions during training sessions.
