Black Stars on Saturday morning have safely arrived in Antananarivo ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
The game is set to begin at 2 p.m. local time on Sunday at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium.
#BlackStars departure & arrival excerpts 📼 pic.twitter.com/ANwtrblnOY
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 17, 2023
Black Stars are determined to qualify for the tournament with a win in this match. Madagascar, on the other hand, will be looking to challenge the four-time African champions and end their campaign on a high note.
Madagascar are currently at the bottom of the group, with only one point from four games. With a seven-point gap between them and second-placed Angola, their chances of qualifying for next year’s tournament have faded.
In contrast, Ghana have performed admirably in the qualifiers, positioning themselves favourably for qualification. They have achieved two victories, including an impressive 3-0 win over Madagascar at the Cape Coast stadium, and secured draws in their remaining two matches.
The Black Stars are currently tied on eight points with Angola, placing them in a prime position to secure their qualification. A win against Madagascar would guarantee their advancement. However, a draw would mean they must avoid defeat in their final game against the third-placed Central African Republic, who have accumulated seven points, in order to secure their spot.
Twenty-three players made the trip. They include:
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Joseph Wollaccott
Defenders: Denis Odoi, Alidu Seidu, Daniel Amartey, Joseph Addo, Nicholas Opoku, Kasim Adams, Patrick Kpozo
Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Salis Abdul Samed, Edmund Addo, Majeed Ashimeru
Wingers/Forwards: Joseph Painstil, Osman Bukari, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Kwasi Okyere Wreidt, Hafiz Konkoni