Ghana vs Botswana: the big preview

January 24th, 2012 | by: Gary |

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WHAT: Afcon 2012 Group D game
WHERE: Estadio de Franceville, Gabon
WHEN: 24 Jan. 2012, 1600GMT

Ghana boss Stevanovic

It’s showtime, then.

Ghana’s title pedigree will be tested when they start their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against debutants Botswana in Group D on Tuesday.

In 2010 the Black Stars went all the way to the final where they conceded a late goal to lose to Egypt 1-0, and should be determined to go all the way this time around. Although they kicked off that campaign with a 3-1 loss to Ivory Coast, they will be expected to do well against the Zebras, who are playing in this competition for the first time.

However, Stanley Tshosane’s men were the first team to qualify for this tournament as winners of Group K, which included Tunisia, Togo, Malawi and Chad.

Botswana

Official XI (4-5-1): Marumo – Tshepo, Letsholathebe,Thuma, Ramohibidu – Gabonamong, Nato, Motsepe, Moatlhaping, Mongala – Jerome

They trained in South Africa and Cameroon before the tournament. With a few of their lads based in the South African PSL, they can count on some form of ‘international exposure’. But their preparations were disturbed by a pay row which saw the players boycotting training before they were eventually held to a 0-0 draw by Zimbabwe.

On the field, Botswana’s weakest link is Ramohibidu at left back. He was picked ahead of Edwin Olerile, a decision widely critiqued in the country’s press. “People are entitled to their own opinions and I’ll not let that disturb me. The most important thing is that I’ve contributed to the success of the team in the qualifiers,” he said.

Ghana would have to watch Nato, who featured in all six qualifiers. He’s a hard worker with a creative streak on a good day. And Jerome Ramatlhakwane needs no introduction, as he was the top scorer in the Afcon qualifiers. Currently clubless, his form is surprisingly good and has a good eye for the ball. The sluggish John Mensah may have trouble dealing with him in one-on-one situations.

And then there is Phenyo Mongala, one of the South African based guys. A winger who switches flanks well, his direct, one touch play is also an asset, especially if he links well in the 5-man midfield being deployed.

Ghana will be grateful for the absence of Dipsy Selolwane, easily their best player, as well Joel Mogorosi. The verve they bring into midfield will be missed, and it’s almost a certainty they will be overrun by the mobile and hard Annan and Badu. Overall, Botswana will rely heavily on the midfield, which is packed with hardworkers.

Ghana

Official XI: Adam Kwarasey, John Paintsil, Samuel Inkoom, John Boye, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Jordan Ayew, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Sulley Muntari.

The formation will be a 4-2-3-1, with Asamoah Gyan upfront.

Samuel Inkoom starts in left back, which will surprise many, considering the natural left-back Masawudu Alhassan is around. But Inkoom brings experience to bear and should play well. His speed in going forward and being a utility player will come in handy indeed, as Botswana also look mobile.

Coach Goran is going for Anthony Annan as a holder, with Agyemang-Badu ahead of him to start plays. It’s looking like Andre Ayew will play as a classic trequartista, as Kwadwo Asamoah will be benched. It’s a bold decision from the coach, but it will mark a new level lot of maturity if Andre impresses in the role.

Andre will have to be very fit, then, as he will be required assist in defensive duties should things get too hot. Isaac Vorsah will miss the game due to suspension. Adam Kwarasey, in his debut Nations Cup game, will need to be sharp in distribution, as he’ll be the first point of attack.

Prediction

Group D is arguably the toughest in the competition with Guinea and Mali as the other opponents. Botswana can spring a surprise, with their coach saying “an earthquake” will be caused. Don’t doubt him, his team was not named Team of Year last year for nothing. Predictions? Sorry.