The Black Stars are winless in their last five games- here's what they need to do to avoid that fate again ahead of their game with Mozambique on January 22.
The game against the Mambas could determine Ghana's fate in the tournament. A win for the Black Stars would elevate them to four points and potentially secure advancement to the knockout phase as one of the four best third-placed teams. However, a win or a draw by Mozambique would result in the Black Stars being knocked out of the competition, echoing the outcome in Cameroon.
That's what's at stake. So what can Chris Hughton do to end Ghana's poor run and take a major step towards the knockout phase on Monday night?
Below KICKGH takes a look...
Start quickly
The ability to start games quickly has been a significant factor in the success of the top teams in the ongoing tournament. The Black Stars need to make a strong start and assert control of the game before the opposition has a chance to settle.
That's something they've struggled with recently, as Hughton's side has often failed to score in the first half of most of their games. The energy and intensity that has been the hallmark of the Black Stars since the days of yore has dipped slightly and they need to get that back on Monday night.
Black Stars' best 45- minute performance I their recent outings came in the matchday two fixture against Egypt in Ivory Coast. They dominated the Egyptians throughout the first half, constantly pinning them in and around their own penalty area.
Ghana deservedly led at the break and the game only swung to Egypt's favour after the interval. A repeat of that first-half performance is exactly what they need this time around. They have to start fast and and not allow Mozambique to settle.
Show patience
Something that applies to the Black Stars is the importance of patience. It will be more when they are out of possession. The Black Stars are happy to okay on the counter, which will suit them in this fixture, but it's imperative that they do not get frustrated at spending larger amounts of time without the ball than usual.
It's especially important for when they do get the ball, for it'll be crucial for them to.make the right decisions and not force things, as Mozambique will win the ball back and, in transition,they can be deadly with their wide players like Witi and Catamo.
Exploit wide areas
Something that makes the Black Stars even more effective is their strong wide play. With it anticipated that the Ghana's best opportunities against Mozambique will be on counter , the pace and skill of their wingers will be crucial.
The Mambas have two full-backs who.love to go forward, with Domingo's Macandza on the right and Bruno Langa on the left. So, when the Black Stars do break down attacks and won the ball back, it will be important for them to exploit the spaces in behind the pair in transition.
Fortunately, they have a great crop of wingers who can do this- either from the start or off the bench. Jordan Ayew is one of the street smarts, an experienced clever footballer whose work rate is as impressive as his creativity. Ernest Nuamah, Joseph Paintsil and Osman Bukari are the promising youngsters whose talent is a little raw and still being refined but they are explosive and fearless and full of quality.
