AFCON qualifier against Sudan: Black Stars’ moment of destiny
Ghana’s Black Stars face a crucial test tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, as they prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier return leg against Sudan, with their destiny firmly in their hands.
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After a frustrating goalless draw in Accra last Thursday, Ghana’s qualification campaign is teetering on the brink. A victory in Libya is now a must to revive their faltering hopes of securing a place in next year’s tournament in Morocco.
The Black Stars sit third in Group F, trailing behind Angola and Sudan. With three consecutive winless matches, Coach Otto Addo and his team must dig deep to produce a match-winning performance at the Martyrs of February Stadium tomorrow.
Failure to secure three points would leave their qualification chances hanging by a thread and further test the faith of their passionate supporters.
Despite the daunting task ahead, former Black Stars Coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, remains optimistic. Speaking to Graphic Sports, he expressed confidence that the team has the quality to bounce back and fight for a place in Morocco.
"It’s disappointing to have just two points from three matches, but I believe they can turn things around. They need to stay focused and rise above the odds," Akonnor stated.
Coach Otto Addo, while acknowledging the team's poor finishing, believes tomorrow’s encounter will be different. Reflecting on the first leg, Addo blamed the inability to convert chances despite dominating the game.
"We were the better side and created many opportunities, but our finishing let us down. Sudan’s goalkeeper did well, but we need to focus on winning games, and that’s our goal now," he said.
Since Otto Addo took charge of the Black Stars in March, the team’s performances have been erratic, with disappointing results against lower-ranked teams such as Niger and the Central African Republic.
With a squad filled with top European talent, there can be no excuses this time. Ghanaians expect a resounding victory in tomorrow’s clash, especially as the match will be played on neutral ground in the Libyan city of Benghazi.
Adding a twist to the encounter, Sudan’s Coach, Kwasi Appiah, knows the Black Stars all too well, having previously managed the team and some of the current players.
Together with his Ghanaian assistant, Ignatius Osei-Fosu, they executed a disciplined game plan in Accra and are determined to prevent the Black Stars from having an easy ride in the return leg.
“It was a tough game, but we are prepared to fight for victory,” Appiah said, indicating that Sudan would not back down easily.
The Sudanese side has shown little respect for the Black Stars' reputation as a football powerhouse, and they are ready to scrap for a result.
While the Nile Crocodiles also find themselves under pressure to avoid slipping into third place, Ghanaians will hope Sudan opens up their play, allowing the Black Stars' attack to thrive.
Ghana’s defence, which held firm in the first leg, is expected to remain unchanged, providing a solid foundation from which the team can build.
For Otto Addo, the key challenge will be finding the right balance between controlling possession and finishing chances. With players like Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Ernest Nuamah in the lineup, the Black Stars have the firepower to secure the all-important victory.
Now, it’s time for them to deliver when it matters most.