The Black Stars of Ghana will kick off their World Cup Qualifier against the Walias of Ethiopia on 3rd September 2021 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
Both teams are in Group G and would love to start their qualifiers on a high note, making the game a crucial one.
Head to Head
The two teams have locked horns 5 times with Ghana winning 4 and Ethiopia winning 1. Their first meeting was in an AFCON group stage game on 26th November 1963 where Ghana won 2-0. In an international friendly on 21st April 1996, the Walias beat the Black Stars 2-0. In 2014, Ethiopia lost to Ghana by a goal. On 11th June 2017, Ghana beat Ethiopia 5-0 in an AFCON 2019 qualifier. In the return leg, Ghana triumphed over their host 2-0.
Form Guide
Both teams have been competitive in the last 2 years, engaging in qualifiers and international friendlies. Ghana, quarter finalist in the 2010 World Cup, have just won a game in their last five matches. The win came against Sao Tome and Principe in an AFCON qualifier. They lost to Sudan and recently to Morocco in an international friendly with the two draws coming against South Africa and Ivory Coast. The Black Stars have scored four goals and conceded four during this period of games.
Ethiopia on the other hand have been very impressive in their last five games. They have won three and lost two. Their wins came against Niger(3-0), Malawi(4-0) and Madagascar(4-0). Their losses came against Niger(1-0) and recently Ivory Coast(3-1) in an international friendly. Ethiopia have scored 12 goals and conceded 4 within the period.
Players to watch
Head Coach of the Black Stars, Charles Akunnor has named a 30-man squad for the double header against Ethiopia and South Africa. Notable among his squad are Captain, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey who is recovering from an injury.
Ethiopia coach Wubetu Abate has invited 28 players to start training ahead of their 2022 World Cup qualifications against Ghana. The list includes three deadly strikers who scored over 60 goals in the Ethiopian Premier League last season. Abubeker Nassir who netted 29 goals in 23 appearances for Ethiopia Bunna FC is included in the squad to face Ghana. Mujib Kassim with 20 goals and Getaneh Kebede of Kedus St George has 15 goals.
The winner of Group G will be tied to any of the other winners of the 9 groups. Five countries will represent Africa at the 2022 World Cup to be staged in Qatar.
