Ghana will be forced to respond when they host Comoros in a reverse fixture of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, on Tuesday, following a surprising goalless draw result in the first leg last week.
The Black Stars, ranked favourites ahead of the first leg returned home with only a point following ‘Les Cœlacanthethe’s impressive display in front of their ecstatic and supportive home crowd.
The visitors, the lowest-ranked team at this stage of the continental qualifiers for the Russia-bound World Cup in three years, held their own in their backyard, forcing Ghana to give everything and dig deep at their once fortress, Baba Yara Stadium to whip their campaign on an expected track if they still dream of a fourth successive World Cup appearance when they meet on Tuesday.
The Black Stars, ranked favourites ahead of the first leg returned home with only a point following ‘Les Cœlacanthethe’s impressive display in front of their ecstatic and supportive home crowd.
The visitors, the lowest-ranked team at this stage of the continental qualifiers for the Russia-bound World Cup in three years, held their own in their backyard, forcing Ghana to give everything and dig deep at their once fortress, Baba Yara Stadium to whip their campaign on an expected track if they still dream of a fourth successive World Cup appearance when they meet on Tuesday.
‘Les Cœlacanthethe’ ranked 159 places behind the Black Stars in the global ranking were supposed to have their backs against the wall as a result of the pedigree of the Ghanaians, however, following a fine defensive job and a hunger to keep fighting as exhibited in the first leg, the host will be first to admit that starting business early with goals could be their only assurance of putting the game to bed.
In Comoros, the Black Stars face a team that has never won a World Cup qualifying match, and only managed to reach this stage of the campaign on the away goals rule after drawing with Lesotho over two legs in the first round.
On paper and in terms of pedigree, it should look easy and cosy for the Ghanaians that boast of a fine firepower with the likes of the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, Asamoah Gyan and among others. For what Comoros proved at home on Friday which included a disallowed goal, coupled with a Black Stars side that lacked clear sharpness, Ghana will be shooting itself in the foot if it dared brushed aside the visitors even before the game began.
Already captain Gyan, who began the first leg as a second half substitute has called on fans to expect one of the best performances from the team on Tuesday, and that goes to say it will be exactly what will be required of the homers to deliver.
The China-based forward, who is expected to regain his starting place in Kumasi, says "the fans should expect a good performance, which is the most important thing. We are playing to qualify but first of all, we will make sure we put in a very good performance to make them happy.
“We know we were not up to the task in the first game so we will make sure we turn things around,” as Gyan signals the team's intent for Tuesday's duel.
However, the Black Stars look at the game and approach it, one thing is obvious, it is a make or break for them and their credentials will be called upon every step of the way.
In Comoros, the Black Stars face a team that has never won a World Cup qualifying match, and only managed to reach this stage of the campaign on the away goals rule after drawing with Lesotho over two legs in the first round.
On paper and in terms of pedigree, it should look easy and cosy for the Ghanaians that boast of a fine firepower with the likes of the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, Asamoah Gyan and among others. For what Comoros proved at home on Friday which included a disallowed goal, coupled with a Black Stars side that lacked clear sharpness, Ghana will be shooting itself in the foot if it dared brushed aside the visitors even before the game began.
Already captain Gyan, who began the first leg as a second half substitute has called on fans to expect one of the best performances from the team on Tuesday, and that goes to say it will be exactly what will be required of the homers to deliver.
The China-based forward, who is expected to regain his starting place in Kumasi, says "the fans should expect a good performance, which is the most important thing. We are playing to qualify but first of all, we will make sure we put in a very good performance to make them happy.
“We know we were not up to the task in the first game so we will make sure we turn things around,” as Gyan signals the team's intent for Tuesday's duel.
However, the Black Stars look at the game and approach it, one thing is obvious, it is a make or break for them and their credentials will be called upon every step of the way.
By: Cafonline.com
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