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Ghana vs. CAR: A Preview Beyond Qualification – The Black Stars’ Quest for Convincing Victory

AmarachiBy Updated:No Comments6 Mins Read

The Black Stars’ Quest for 2023 AFCON Qualification.

For the Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, the ultimate goal is securing qualification for the 2023 AFCON. However, it’s been quite some time since they delivered the kind of standout performances that their fans crave. The opportunity to change that narrative is now on the horizon as they face off against the Central African Republic.

Ghana has been missing the magic on the field – those matches where they dominate, play with flair, and emerge as convincing victors. While the 3-2 win against South Korea during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar provided some entertainment, it also had every Ghanaian fan nervously watching until the final whistle. In reality, most of Ghana’s wins, albeit infrequent in recent years, have come under similar nail-biting circumstances.

As the Black Stars gear up for their 2023 AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR), it’s hard to ignore the team’s lackluster performances of late. During Otto Addo’s tenure as coach, a common criticism was that the team often appeared disjointed, lacking chemistry despite the abundance of individual talent within the squad. This issue hasn’t seen significant improvement under the current coach, Chris Hughton, who, despite being unbeaten in three matches, has struggled to make the team play fluid football and secure convincing victories.

Drawn into the same group as Angola, Madagascar, and CAR, Ghana was widely expected to secure qualification well before the final match. However, the results from their five group games so far – two wins and three draws – reflect a side that hasn’t demonstrated clear superiority over its less-favored opponents.

Hughton’s arrival generated excitement and optimism, as it was seen as a departure from the experimental coaching appointments that had hindered the national team’s progress in recent years. Here was a manager with a proven track record in the Premier League, someone who had also spent a year as a technical advisor under Addo, giving him valuable insight into the team.

The journey hasn’t unfolded quite as expected for the Black Stars. While they did secure a victory against Angola in their new coach’s inaugural game, it wasn’t the dominating performance fans had hoped for; it felt more like a snatch-and-grab affair. The subsequent draw in the return fixture against the Antelopes left much to be desired, and the goalless draw in Madagascar was equally lackluster.

However, as they prepare to face the Central African Republic (CAR), the Black Stars will enjoy the support of over 30,000 fans at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. This presents a golden opportunity to achieve two objectives at once: secure their place in the Ivory Coast for the upcoming AFCON and deliver a performance that will leave a lasting impression on their home fans.

In terms of qualification, Ghana needs at least a draw to book their spot in next year’s AFCON. But going the extra mile and securing a convincing victory would undoubtedly be a significant boost.

The pressure on coach Chris Hughton has already begun to mount. He was expected to bring a substantial improvement compared to Otto Addo, given his experience and credentials. However, the team’s results and performances thus far have yet to reflect that upgrade, intensifying the scrutiny on his leadership.

As Ghana’s new coach, Chris Hughton, takes the reins, his strategies and player selections have come under scrutiny. Some have questioned the inclusion of Edmund Addo, who has not completed a competitive game since March, and captain Andre Ayew, who is currently without a club, in the latest squad. In the unpredictable world of football, such debates often arise. However, the true test lies in the Black Stars’ performance on the field, particularly in their upcoming match against the Central African Republic (CAR).

In the past, a convincing win by Ghana might have been dismissed with a casual “it’s just CAR.” But given the team’s recent struggles, a strong performance will not go unnoticed.

Coach Hughton emphasized the significance of the upcoming match during his pre-match press conference, stating, “Everybody knows what this game [against CAR]means. We will do everything in our power to achieve the desired result. Our preparation has been solid, although we are missing some players due to injuries. Nevertheless, it presents an opportunity for others to step up. Playing at home, we have a strong track record, and we aim to maintain that record.”

While CAR may be considered underdogs, they should not be underestimated by Ghana. The Wild Beasts are just two points behind the Black Stars in Group E and have secured as many victories (2) as Ghana in the group stage.

It’s worth noting that CAR pulled off a surprising upset against Nigeria in Lagos in 2021, an achievement that has not gone unnoticed. This unexpected victory in the heart of Nigeria’s football territory serves as a source of confidence for Raoul Savoy’s side as they prepare to face Ghana. The Black Stars, on the other hand, have struggled to deliver standout performances in recent times, further fueling CAR’s optimism.

Speaking about their historic win against Nigeria, Savoy stated, “Nigeria never expected us to beat them at home but we did. You never know what we can do. I have respect for Ghana because they are a stronger footballing nation than us, but football is a beautifully unpredictable game. It delivers surprises every time, every day.”

For CAR, a win in the upcoming match would secure their place in next year’s AFCON, and this motivation will undoubtedly drive them to give their all on the field. They are poised to present a formidable challenge to the Black Stars and test their mettle.

The responsibility for a more ambitious and determined performance rests squarely on the shoulders of Chris Hughton and his team. They hold the advantage of being the bigger team, boasting superior players, and being under the guidance of a tactically astute coach. Additionally, they have the home advantage.

Under these circumstances, there should be no excuses. For many Ghanaians, the expectation goes beyond simply securing qualification for the AFCON (which is the bare minimum). It’s about witnessing the Black Stars assert their dominance over an opponent and conclude a match without the heart-stopping finishes that have become all too familiar in recent national team encounters.

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