Ghana vs Congo-Brazzaville
Baba Yara Stadium
Kumasi, Ghana
Friday, 1 September 2017
Kick-off is at 17h30 CAT
Both Ghana and Congo-Brazzaville will be desperate to get their 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign up and running with victory at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday.Neither the Black Stars nor the Red Devils have yet to register a win after two rounds of Group E qualifiers, with Egypt leading the way on six points - closely followed by Uganda who have accumulated four points from two fixtures.
Ghana sit in third spot following disappointing results in Tamale (0-0 vs Uganda) and Egypt (0-2 vs Egypt) late last year, with victory for the Pharoahs underling their tag as group favorites as they aim to make a return to the world stage.
The Black Stars are now in danger on failing to qualify for a fourth successive FIFA World Cup, having dazzled the globe at Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 & Brazil 2014. As for Congo, they have yet to qualify for a world showpiece and will need a drastic turnaround if they are to finally break their duck and book their ticket to Russia next year. A 2-1 defeat to Egypt in Brazzaville was followed by a 1-0 loss to the Cranes in Kampala. Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah, has rallied his troops as the hosts aim to get their campaign up and running. Furthermore, Ghana head coach Kwesi Appiah has provided some clarity on his selection process heading into the clash:
The reverse fixture will take place at the Stade Municipal de Kintélé in Brazzaville next Tuesday.
Form Guide (In all competitions)
Ghana - W,L,L,D,L
Congo - L,L,L,D,D
Head to Head
Matches: 12
Ghana wins: 10
Congo wins: 0
Draws: 2
Goals for Ghana: 25
Goals for Congo: 8
Last two encounters
01/09/2015 - Congo 2-3 Ghana
13/01/2014 - Ghana 1-0 Congo