The Black Stars of Ghana would be engaging the Les Fauves of the Central African Republic in a crucial AFCON 2023 qualifiers at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Thursday. With both sides separated by just two points, a place in Ivory Coast is very much up for grabs and this makes for a thrilling affair.
While Ghana have enjoyed an unbeaten campaign in the qualifiers, they have played out three draws in their last four Group E matches, including a 1-1 draw with Central African Republic in June 2022.
With nine points from five qualifying matches, the Black Stars currently sit at the summit of Group E, one point above second-placed Angola and two above Thursday's visitors. Having featured in nine consecutive AFCON editions since 2006, the West African powerhouse now need at least a draw on Thursday to secure a 10th straight appearance at the continental showpiece.
Chris Hughton since assuming office as new Ghana manager has played three games- winning one and drawing two. Although, he has yet to lose, the Black Stars have not been convincing under his tenure.
Here, we identify three things the Ghana boss must address come Thursday.
He must be bolder in his selections
This far into Chris Hughton’s tenure, Ghana should be further along in their evolution. It would not be prudent to judge on individual results - especially one as bad as Angola - but the fallout from that woeful performance is pertinent. It speaks to a lack of identity under Hughton.
That isn't to say every display has been devoid of ideology, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly what Hughton's playing philosophy is. In the reverse fixture against the Angolans, the approach was not brave enough. And not for the first time, Hughton was too slow or unwilling to gamble on changes.
Ghana's squad is packed full of young, vibrant, attacking talent, and while that doesn't necessarily guarantee success, the right mix of personnel should at least mean more goals. More excitement. Bigger threat.
As such, he needs to be bolder in his selection and style. Of course, there is also a need to strike the right balance, but Ghana have such an abundance of strength in forward areas - creative talent should be utilised to better effect.
Be willing to drop Andre Ayew
There was public outrage when the unattached Black Stars skipper was named by Hughton for the epic clash. Nobody is quite sure what his on-pitch role is, considering his recent lack of activity. Chris Hughton will be left with a stick or twist decision when it comes to the Ghana legend. His performances have demonstrably regressed due to inactivity.
Knowing that Hughton favours an energetic, pressing game you do wonder how much longer Ayew will last with the Hughton-led Black Stars.
Put Mohammed Kudus centre stage
The new West Ham United recruit is a special talent, the sort any manager should be his around. Kudus loves to dictate the tempo of a game in a free role, roaming deep to collect possession and driving the team forward with his clever one-twos, mazy dribbles. It is best not try to contain the 23-year-old, but rather organise his team-mates around him.
In theory, Hughton’s expansive football- centring on high-tempo interchanges and domination of the ball is perfectly suited to get the best out of Kudus.
