Although the Black Stars have already played five games, only one match holds immense significance in their quest to secure a spot in another Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Ghana is set to host the Central African Republic (CAR) on matchday six of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, and they require just one point to secure their place in Ivory Coast.
This game carries substantial importance for both teams, as CAR is also in pursuit of a victory that could tilt the scales in their favor, granting them a spot at the tournament.
For Ghana, two key objectives are in play: securing their AFCON berth and preserving their unbeaten record at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Since their loss to South Africa during the 2000 AFCON, when they were eliminated in the knockout stage of the competition, the Black Stars have remained undefeated in Kumasi. It’s worth noting that Ghana and Nigeria co-hosted that tournament.
Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton has hinted that his players will do everything to ensure the record still stands.
“We will do everything that we can to get the result that we want to get. Preparation has been good. We are missing some players through injuries but it is also an opportunity for others,” he said on Wednesday.
“We are playing at home. We have a good record here and it is a record that we want to continue.”
Securing qualification for Ghana hinges on this outcome, a goal that Raoul Savoy, head coach of the Wild Beasts, is determined to achieve.
Savoy maintains the belief that his team has the potential to create an upset against the Black Stars, much like they did several months ago when they defeated Nigeria in Lagos.
“Nigeria never expected us to beat them at home but we did,” he told the media during Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the game.
“You never know [what we can do]. I have respect for Ghana because they are far better than us as a football nation but football is the most lovely game in the world because every time, every day you have surprises.”
With a touch of banter and a deliberate effort to maintain some distance in their words, these coaches are undeniably gearing up for what promises to be a captivating encounter.
The Baba Yara Stadium is set to witness a substantial crowd, and whatever significance has drawn people to the venue in the past, this match is no exception.
Kickoff is scheduled for 16:00 GMT, but rest assured that the atmosphere will be electric long before the referee’s whistle signals the start of the game.