Ghana vs Sudan: Crucial 2025 AFCON Qualifier Match Preview

The highly anticipated match between Ghana and Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers is set to take place on October 10, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium. This encounter carries significant importance for both teams, with Ghana under immense pressure to revive their qualification hopes.

1. Current Group Standings

In Group F, Angola leads with six points, while Sudan has three points. Ghana and Niger trail behind with only one point each from their first two matches. The Black Stars need to secure six points from their remaining games to keep their AFCON dreams alive.

2. Team News and Head-to-Head Record

Ghana has a strong head-to-head record against Sudan, having won seven out of nine encounters since 2009. However, Sudan's coach, Kwasi Appiah, is well-acquainted with the Ghanaian national team, having previously managed the Black Stars and guiding them to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Ghana's coach, Otto Addo, faces significant challenges with key players Thomas Partey and Joseph Paintsil ruled out due to injuries. Mohammed Kudus will lead the team as captain in Partey's absence. Sudan, on the other hand, has no injury worries and has come to Ghana with their full squad.

3. Key Player Absences for Ghana

The absence of Thomas Partey and Joseph Paintsil is a major setback for Ghana. Partey's sudden withdrawal due to illness adds to the team's woes. Salis Abdul Samed is also sidelined by a persistent muscle injury, leaving coach Addo with limited options in midfield.

Jordan Ayew and Leicester's Fataw Issahaku are available for selection, alongside Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu. Athleticbao striker Antoine Semenyo is also an option, while Fenerbahce defender Alexander Djiku returns after missing the previous matches due to injury.

4. Sudan's Preparation and Squad

Sudan's Mustafa Karshoum has been training well and is fit for the match. Sudan striker John Mano emphasized that the team is eager to upset Ghana, seeking victory after their loss in the last qualifier against Angola. Another key player, Mohammed Issa, joined the team on Tuesday in Accra.

Sudan's coach, Kwasi Appiah, has been under pressure to deliver results. Despite his experience with the Ghanaian national team, he faces a daunting task in leading Sudan to victory against their former employers.

5. Coaching Dilemmas for Ghana

Coach Otto Addo faces several dilemmas ahead of the match. One of the biggest concerns is who will slot at left-back, with Alidu Seidu, Isaac Afful, and Gideon Mensah as options. Mensah's fitness and readiness are uncertain after returning from injury, leaving Addo to choose between Seidu and Afful.

Another dilemma is finding a suitable midfield pair to replace Thomas Partey and Salis Abdul Samed. Fatawu Issahaku has been shifting between positions, which has disrupted his rhythm. Coach Addo must identify a consistent role for Semenyo to unlock his full potential and resolve Ghana's toothless attack.

The stakes are high for Ghana, and the decisions made by coach Addo could be crucial to the team's hopes of qualifying for the tournament. With no margin for error, Ghana must get their decisions spot-on to achieve back-to-back victories and keep their AFCON dreams alive.

The match promises to be an intense encounter with both teams determined to secure crucial points. The result will have significant ramifications on Ghana's chances of qualifying for the AFCON, which will be held in Morocco in 2025.

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