Good morning and welcome to the live text commentary for the international friendly match between Ghana and Switzerland.
The Black Stars are facing off with their Swiss counterpart this morning in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in what will be the final game before the national team moves to Qatar.
Ahead of kick-off at 10:00 am, Ghana ahead coach Otto Addo has named his starting eleven for the clash.
The team has goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the post and will be protected by a defense that includes Tariq Lamptey, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, and Salisu Mohammed.
RC Lens midfielder Abdul Salis Samed is in the starting eleven alongside Belgium-based Elisha Owusu.
Andre Ayew is also starting with his brother Jordan Ayew while Hearts of Oak star Daniel Afriyie Barnieh has been handed his maiden start for the Black Stars.
Ghana is using this morning’s friendly to prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which starts on Sunday, November 20.
The Black Stars are hoping to put up a good performance to inspire confidence ahead of the start of the mundial.
Checkout the Black Stars’ starting eleven for the Switzerland friendly below:
We are just 10 minutes away from kick-off.
1′ We are off at the Zayed Sports City. The teams are on the pitch and the game has kicked off.
3′ Switzerland applies early pressure after a slow start from both countries.
4′ A very open game but players are being cautious.
5′ Lawrence Ati-Zigi with some poor goalkeeping but is fortunate there is no Swiss player to bounce on his poor save.
7′ A great attacking play by the Swiss creates a good opening for Vargas. His effort is poor as Ghana wins a goal kick.
8′ Daniel Afriyie Barnieh makes a very good run and latches onto a through ball. He fires a shot at goal but is easily saved.
10′ After a slow start to the first half, Ghana has now come in strong and currently dominating proceedings. Meanwhile, Switzerland have earned a corner kick against the run of play. The resulting kick is cleared by the Ghana defense.
11′ OFFSIDE: Andre Ayew is through on goal but the referee blows for an offside. That was close.
13′ So far so good for this new-look Black Stars. The team is however yet to really threaten the Swiss goal.
15′ This has been a very lively 15 minutes for the Black Stars.
18′ The tempo of the game is now slower. Both sets of players playing with caution to avoid injuries.
20′ Ghana wins a free-kick in a dangerous area. Jordan Ayew attempts to find Inaki Williams but is unsuccessful.
21′ The Swiss break and immediately gets a corner on the other end of the pitch. It is well-taken by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi comes out to punch the ball to safety.
23′ Jordan Ayew with a very good turn and fires a shot at goal. It’s an easy save for the Swiss goalkeeper.
27′ Ghana continues to enjoy the lion’s share of possession. Unfortunately, still no goals.
28′ Lawrence Ati-Zigi anticipates a through ball and dives on the carpet to make a timely interception. Smart goalkeeping.
30′ We have done half an hour in this international friendly.
32′ Black Stars conceded pressure through a good clearance from Baba Rahman after pressure from the Swiss attack. Corner is taken but Lawrence Ati-Zigi saves.
34′ Tariq Lamptey fires a shot from distance. His effort is unfortunately off target. Goal kick to Switzerland.
37′ Ghana continuously dominates play but no goal to show for it.
40′ We are into the final five minutes of the game.
43′ CLOSE!! Mohammed Salisu comes close to scoring. The defender latches onto an inviting free-kick from Jordan Ayew but is unable to direct his effort at goal.
45′ No injury time as the referee blows for halftime.
Second half:
46′ We are back underway for the second 45 minutes.
47′ A very lively start to the second half. Ghana and Switzerland come close to scoring in a matter of seconds.
74’ And there’s number two! Antoine Semenyo with a sweet volley to double the lead 😍
Ghana 2-0 Switzerland #SportsGist | #BlackStars | #GHvSUI | #Qatar2022 | #FIFAWorldCup
— Sports Gist (@theSportsGist) November 17, 2022