Ghana will go head-to-head with Central African Republic in the final round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday.
Both teams are separated by just two points and this makes for an exciting affair at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars remain unbeaten in the qualifiers so far, having secured three draws in their last four Group E matches, including a 1-1 stalemate with the Central African Republic in June 2022.
With nine points from five qualifying matches, Ghana sit top of Group E, one point above second-placed Angola and two above Thursday’s visitors.
Chris Hughton’s men need only a draw to secure a 10th straight appearance at the continental showpiece.
Central African Republic, on the other hand, have enjoyed a respectable qualifying campaign and are now one win away from a first-ever Africa Cup of Nations appearance.
Coach Hughton called up a 25-man squad, including the likes of Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Richard Ofori, who returns to the squad after missing out on the World Cup last year through a severe knee problem.
Joseph Painstil has been ruled out of the game due to an injury he picked up while playing for Genk against Anderlecht on Sunday.
He will now return to his club to commence rehabilitation. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will also miss the crucial qualifier for the hosts after recently picking up an injury.
The match will kick off at 4pm local time.
By: Asante Clifford Ekow
