Hosts Ghana geared for Guinea challenge

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Sep 14, 2017. 15:00

2017 WAFU Cup of Nations hosts Ghana will look to get their group stage campaign off to a flying start when they take on Guinea at the Nduom Sports Stadium in Elmina, kick-off at 18h00 local time.

The Black Stars only just squeezed through to the last eight on home soil, as they needed a last-gasp penalty from Vincent Antigah to beat the Gambia 1-0 in their last 16 knockout clash last weekend.

Despite the victory being somewhat unconvincing, coach Maxwell Konadu was pleased with the hosts’ showing and added that Ghana are “always slow starters in tournaments”.

Guinea also had to work hard for their place in the group phase, as they came from a goal down to beat neighbours Guinea-Bissau 2-1. Sekou Keita and Abdoulaye Camara struck for the Syli Nationale, who will be aiming to upset the hosts before turning their attention to yet more heavyweights in the shape of Nigeria and Mali.

Guinea coach Hamidou Camara emphasised that his team “deserved to win” their last 16 clash and “will be taking it one game at a time” as they progress through the demanding group stage.

Ghana and Guinea have met in 18 previous matches, according to FIFA statistics. The Black Stars have claimed nine wins - compared to just three for Syli Nationale - and outscored their opponents 25 goals to 15 in the process.

Ghana v Guinea, head-to-head