AFCON 2012 qualifier: Swaziland v Ghana final preview

September 3rd, 2010 | by: Gary | View Comments

Swaziland v Ghana
Group I qualifier (see all groups here)
Kickoff: 1300 GMT (tentative)
TV coverage: Free-to-air (Ghana)/DSTV/Online streams
Catch the game tweets on @garyalsmith from 1255 GMT

Swazi stalker: Dennis Masina

Stat: the last time Ghana scored 2 goals in normal time was in the World/Nations’ Cup Qualifiers last November: 2-2 vs Mali.

Swaziland

Following the departure of Shakes Mashaba to the post of the national under 23 team in South Africa, Swaziland was left with no manager. But he left them with a lot of confidence.

Yes, they are not a big name but they want to get there. If their nickname, Isihlangu Semnikati, does not strike fear into the hearts of the Stars, little would.

Their main man is Dennis Masina, who’s based in the PSL in South Africa. A national team regular for eleven years now, he insists his side is not scared of Ghana.

“Of course Ghana is a big team in Africa and we respect them a lot. They have some of the best players in Africa at the moment. I think it’s going to be an interesting match for us, but we are really motivated for this encounter. We have to be confident when playing them as they are a tough side with lots of skilful and talented players.”

New coach Zwane Musa is also keen to be the first to take his country to a Nations Cup and in a group that also includes Congo and Sudan, it will be tough.

The confidence runs through, as their captain Mxolisi Mtsetfwa has said: “I think we’ll do well against the Black Stars of Ghana. The pressure will be on them as we will go into the match as underdogs. We’re a closed book to the Ghanaian side, so we ought to have to use that to our advantage.”

Closed book?. That is so not true.

Swazi squad list: Info on this team is scanty at best. Their official FA page doesn’t exist anymore and they’re really not techy-savvy with their info.

Last 5 Swazi games
Friendly 11 Aug 2010 Away V Mozambique Lost 2-1
Friendly 23 Jan 2010 Away v South Africa Lost 6-2
Cosafa Cup 22 Oct 2009 Home v Comoros Won 3-0
Cosafa Cup 20 Oct 2009 Away v Botswana Lost 1-0
Cosafa Cup 18 Oct 2009 Home v Seychelles Won 2-1

Kev’s available for selection. Photo: ghanaFA

Ghana

Contrary to reports, official sources say Kevin-Prince Boateng will be around for selection after overcoming an ankle injury. Matthew Amoah, however, is definitely out with an injury. He’s not going to be replaced.

It will be good if we don’t underrate these guys. They may be 134th in the world; fully 111 places below us but that will give them extra motivation to pull us out of our post World Cup reverie.

New Sunderland signing Asamoah Gyan knows it: “I have to concentrate on that game because it is a qualifying game. I have to make sure my country qualifies as well. It is not going to be easy and we shouldn’t underrate the Swaziland team. Although they are underdogs they will be coming in strongly because Ghana is now one of the best teams in Africa and everybody will like to play against Ghana. Personally I will do my best to help my team win that game”

We cannot afford to start the Nations’ Cup qualification badly. That said, I expect a comfy win for Ghana.

The other issue is this: after Stephen Appiah’s retirement, who’ll be named captain of the side? In the past it’s been accepted that John Mensah takes it, or Richard Kingson in his stead. But will Milo just follow the order or name a new leader?

Milovan Rajevac has hinted at nothing yet, but he’s taking things seriously: “We are not going to underrate Swaziland. At this point, every team is a threat and every point counts. We have begun a new phase and it is important we get off to a good start to boost our confidence.”

The GFA has also denied claims that he’s signed a new 4-year extension, as reported by many media.

Ghana Squad list: All 22-called up players here. More team news as it develops.

Last 5 Ghana games
Friendly 11 Aug 2010 Away v South Africa Lost 1-0
World Cup 23 Jan 2010 Away v Uruguay Lost 4-2 (pen)
World Cup 22 Oct 2009 Home v USA Won 2-1
World Cup 20 Oct 2009 Away v Germany Lost 1-0
World Cup 18 Oct 2009 Away v Australia Drew 1-1

That’s that for now. Results and ratings later after the game.

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