This Ain’t No Black Sunday: Ghana vs. Nigeria

This might only be a quarterfinal match, but Ghana vs. Nigeria may end up being the most massive game in the tournament besides the final (maybe). Both teams have been performing below expectations and will have angry fans pushing them to do what sheer talent cannot achieve alone. And unlike the last time these two teams met up (Ghana thrashed Nigeria 4-1), a loss today means an embarrassing exit from the African Cup of Nations at the hands of a bitter rival.

February 3rd, 2008
Accra Sports Stadium, Accra
12 PM Eastern Time (18:00 CET, 17:00 GMT)

Match Background:

It took them three games, but Ghana finally seem to have the momentum they need if they want to make it to the finals. Last week’s solid game against Morocco gave confidence not just to the players but to the fans. And while the Black Stars still aren’t that comfortable offensively, there is the sense that the team is starting to come together.

Nigeria on the other hand owe their qualification to a lot of luck. With only a single win the group stages, Nigeria pipped Mali to second place due to goal differential. But they were in a group with the Ivory Coast and Mali, so it’s hard to gauge exactly how strong Nigeria’s team is. And as we all know, some teams sleepwalk through the group stages only to wake up when things get serious. Though for Ghana’s sake, I’m hoping Nigeria isn’t one of them.

For Ghana, this game is a chance to notch their first competitive win against Nigeria in over sixteen years. Historically, the two sides have met 59 times, Ghana with 24 wins, Nigeria with 16 wins, with the other 19 matches ending as draws.

The respective FAs of the two countries are also currently involved in a dispute over tickets. Ghana have set aside only 2000 tickets in a 45000 seat stadium, which prompted Nigeria to ask for 5000 tickets. Nigeria know that Ghana’s support will be particularly intense and were hoping that having a few more Nigerian voices in the crowd would help bolster the Super Eagles.

Player wise, both teams boast some serious talent. Chelsea’s Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel will be facing off in midfield while Portsmouth’s Sulley Muntari will have ample opportunities to foul club teammate John Utaka. And let’s not forget that Marseille’s Taye Taiwo will have the job of keeping fellow Marseillais Andre Ayew (if he plays) in check. I could go on and on, but you guys get the picture. Club friendships don’t make it onto the pitch.

Squads:

Good news is that Laryea Kingston is back! I’ll be happy to see him on the wings again. Now let’s hope he stays away from picking up any more silly cards. Unfortunately, Asamoah Gyan is still uncertain for this match. He strained his muscles during his bicycle kick during the game against Morocco, so his presence will depend on his passing a late fitness test. But otherwise, Claude LeRoy will have all 23 players available.

Ghana squad: Kingson, Adjei, Dauda – Pantsil, Opare, Asare, Mensah, Illiasu, Afful, Sarpei – Annan, Addo, Essien, Kumodzi, Draman, Muntari, Ayew, Barusso – A. Gyan, B. Gyan, Agogo, Owusu-Abeyie, Asamoah

Nigeria on the other hand aren’t so lucky. Captain Nwankwo Kanu is still out with a strained knee ligament, which he picked up during Nigeria’s first group stage match against the Ivory Coast. Though Berti Vogts has yet to rule him officially out of the game, his participation is extremely unlikely. Additionally, Peter Odemwingie will be suspended, which will be a blow since he’s one of their starting strikers.

Nigeria squad: Aiyenugba, Ejide, Enyeama – Afolabi, Apam, Emeghara, Nwaneri, Shittu, Taiwo, Yobo – Eromoigbe, Etuhu, Obi Mikel, Okonkwo, Olofinjana, Uche – Aiyegbeni, Kanu, Makinwa, Martins, Nsofor, Utaka

Tactics:

Nothing crazy to report here. Ghana’s starting XI is fairly predictable.

Kingson
Paintsil – Addo – Mensah – Sarpei
Kingston – Essien – Annan – Muntari
Agogo – Gyan

Given that Anthony Annan’s performance was fairly satisfactory last week (more so than Quincy Owusu-Abeyie’s), it’s likely that LeRoy will start him once again, which will allow Muntari and Kingston to play in their more favored wing positions.

If Gyan is declared unfit for the match, it’s possible that Quincy will pair Junior Agogo up front.

Viewing Options:

Read the WCB’s comprehensive guide to streaming here.

You can also follow the game on the World Cup Blog’s LiveBlog, which will start about an hour before kickoff.

Expected Result:

I don’t expect this match to be an open game. A cagey 1-0 sounds like the safest bet.