Home Blog Page 519

Coach Augustine Eguavoen names Nigeria starting line-up to face Black Stars

D O
-
0
Coach Augustine Eguavoen names Nigeria starting line-up to face Black Stars

The 56-year-old is eyeing victory over the Black Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Friday evening

Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has named a strong starting XI to face the Black Stars in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The ex-Nigeria international has chosen a strong side for the first leg tie from his pool of star-studded players for the game.

Nantes Simon Moses, Victor Osimhen, and Ighalo Odion are all starting the game.

Below is Nigeria starting XI

Uzoho

Aina
Troost-Ekong
Balogun
Sanusi

Bonke
Aribo
Iheanacho

Chukwueze
Simon
Osimhen

Predicted Black Stars starting line-up against Nigeria

D O
-
0
Predicted Black Stars starting line-up against Nigeria

Ghana is set to face Nigeria for the first leg of the long-awaited FIFA World Cup playoff.

This is Black Stars coach, Otto Addo’s first game since he assumed the interim head coach role. Hence, it is difficult to predict his approach and formation for the match.

However, he would be heading into the match with a full-strength line up hoping for an emphatic victory.

In this regard, first-choice goalkeeper, Richard Ofori could be in the post, right behind a center pair of Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku. For the laterals, Otto could settle for experience Dennis Odoi while Gideon Mensah will slot into the left-back in the absence of Baba Rahman.

Whereas in midfield, which is Ghana’s strength, Thomas Partey, Baba Idrissu, and Kudus Mohammed will be at the center with Fatawu Issahku and Joseph Paintsil blistering down the flanks.

Meanwhile, in attack, Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the line for the Black Stars.

The game kicks off at 19:30 GMT at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Full predicted line up

Richard Ofori

Dennis Odoi

Alexander Djiku

Daniel Amartey

Gideon Mensah

Baba Iddrisu

Thomas Partey

Kudus Mohammed

Joseph Paintsil

Fatawu Issahaku

Jordan Ayew

Source:.ghanaweb.com

Top 5 most famous Ghana wins over Nigeria in competitive games

foot hg
-
0
Top 5 most famous Ghana wins over Nigeria in competitive games

Ghana will be in hunt for their 4th appearance at the FIFA World Cup when they face bitterest rivals Nigeria on Friday, March 25 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The Black Stars have in the past faced Nigeria on 56 occasions, winning 25 of those encounters, drawing 19 and losing 12.

In competitive games, the two West African giants have faced-off 20 times, the Black Stars have won 6 times including in the 1974 World Cup qualifier in Abuja when they were awarded points. Nigeria have won 5 times and the remaining 9 games have ended in draws.

Here, MahamaShaibu.com brings you 3 of Ghana’s biggest wins against Nigeria in competitive games:

August 28, 1960: Ghana 4-1 Nigeria

The 1962 FIFA World Cup qualifier was the first official meeting between Ghana and Nigeria. The game was played in Accra and was officiated by English referee Arthur Holland. Ghana won the game 4-1, courtesy goals from Edward Acquah, Edward Boateng, Aggrey Fynn and Mohamadu Salisu. Nigeria’s only goal was scored by Dejo Fayemi.

The return leg ended 2-2 and Ghana progressed to the second round of the qualifiers only to lose 1-0 to Morocco on aggregate.

January 23, 1992: Ghana 2-1 Nigeria

Ghana and Nigeria battled it out at the Stade de l’Amitie in Dakar for an opportunity to face the Ivory Coast in an all-west African final at the 1992 Nations Cup in Senegal. The Black Stars after going down in the 11th minute through a fine effort from Mutiu Adepoju scored in the 43rd and 54th minute through Abedi Ayew and Prince Polley respectively.

Ghana went into the final without talisman Abedi Pele due to suspension and painfully lost the game after a marathon of penalty shootouts.

February 2, 2008: Ghana 2-1 Nigeria

Once again, the two West African rivals renewed their rivalry at the 2008 African Cup of Nations. This time it was at the Accra Sports Stadium in front of 40,000 football fans. Nigeria shot themselves into the lead in the 33rd minute through a spot-kick calmly converted by Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Ghana leveled the score on the stroke of halftime through Michael Essien. The Black Stars were reduced to 10-men in the 58th minute, John Mensah was shown a straight red card for a cynical challenge on Odemwingie. Despite being a man down, Junior Agogo scored the winner in the 83rd minute to send the Accra Sports Stadium gay.

Unfortunately, Ghana’s hopes to “host and win the competition came to a halt in the Semifinal when they lost 1-0 to Cameroon.

January 8, 2010: Ghana 1-0 Nigeria

For the 7th time at the African Cup of Nations, Ghana battled with Nigeria. The young and inexperienced Black Stars side battled with a fully fledged Nigerian side led by Vincent Eyeama for a place in the final of the continental showpiece event at the Estadio 11 de Novembre. Asamoah Gyan scored the only goal of the game in the 21st minute. Ghana sealed a place in the finally but unfortunately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Egypt in the final.

September 1, 1990: Ghana 1-0 Nigeria

Ghana and Nigeria together with Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso were drawn in Group D for the 1992 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Black Stars edged their rivals 1-0 in the their first encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Saara-Mensah scored the only goal of the game in the 32nd minute. The return leg ended 0-0, however both nations secured qualification to the AFCON after Ghana finished in first place and Nigeria second place.

-Mahamashaibu

Egypt vs Senegal preview, team news, kick off time, TV, live stream, h2h results & more

foot hg
-
0
Egypt vs Senegal preview, team news, kick off time, TV, live stream, h2h results & more

Two months after locking horns in the Africa Cup of Nations final, Egypt and Senegal face off once again as they square off in the first of their two-legged World Cup playoffs clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

Both sides, who enjoyed an unbeaten run in the group stages of the qualifiers, will be looking to pick up where they left off and strengthen their chances of securing a ticket to Qatar.

Match preview

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on January 30, 2022© Reuters

Egypt will feel gutted not to have come away with the ultimate prize at the Africa Cup of Nations as they suffered a gruesome penalty shootout defeat against Senegal in the final back in January.

In a cagey affair at the Paul Biya Stadium, both sides failed to truly test each other as they took a cautious approach to the game, and with the scores level after 120 minutes, the game progressed to penalties where Senegal came out victorious.

The Pharaohs will now look to quickly put that heartbreak behind them and return to winning ways as they turn their attention to the World Cup qualifiers where they will face the Lions of Teranga once again, but this time over two legs.

Carlos Queiroz’s men enjoyed an unbeaten run in the qualifying group stage, claiming four wins and two draws from six games to collect 14 points and finish top of Group F with a healthy seven-point lead over runners-up Gabon.

Egypt head into Friday’s game unbeaten in each of their last seven games on home turf, claiming six wins and one draw since a 1-0 loss against South Africa in the 2019 AFCON which they hosted.

Senegal’s Abdou Diallo celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on February 2, 2022© Reuters

Like Friday’s hosts, Senegal secured a World Cup qualification playoff spot after finishing at the summit of Group H with 16 points from six games, eight points above second-placed Togo.

Aliou Cisse’s men’s only dropped points came courtesy of a thrilling 1-1 draw with Togo on November 11, when Habib Diallo netted with the final significant touch of the game to cancel out Richard Nane’s first-half opener.

The newly-crowned African champions head into Friday’s game unbeaten in each of their last 13 games across all competitions, claiming 10 wins and three draws since losing to South Africa on penalties in the COSAFA Cup back in July 2021.

This impressive run of results has been owing to the solid job done at both ends of the pitch as they have scored 24 goals and kept seven clean sheets since their defeat against the Bafana Bafana.

Having won each of the last three meetings between the sides since a 2-1 defeat back in February 2006, Senegal will feel confident of coming away with the desired result on Friday and dashing the hearts of the Egyptians once again.

Team News

Queiroz has named an experienced 22-man squad for their double-header against the Lions of Teranga, including five foreign-based players like Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet.

Mohamed Salah, who is currently the Premier League’s top scorer with 20 goals, remains the key man for the Pharaohs, and with 47 goals for the national team under his belt, he will certainly be one to keep an eye out for.

The Liverpool forward should be supported up top by the Turkish Super Lig duo of Galatasaray’s Mostafa Mohamed and Istanbul Basaksehir’s Trezeguet, while Mohamed Elneny continues to anchor the midfield.

On the injury front, Egypt will be without the services of Ahmed Hegazi and Akram Tawfik, who have been been out of action since the Africa Cup of Nations, while Ramadan Sobhi and Mohamed Hany continue their journey to full fitness.

Meanwhile, Cisse has called up a similar side that stormed to the AFCON title back in January, including the Premier League duo of Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Liverpool winger Sadio Mane and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.

That being said, Mane will once again play a vital role for the Lions of Teranga at the attacking end of the pitch, teaming up with Sarr and Famara Kouyate.

In midfield, Nampalys Mendy and Cheikhou Kouyate were ever-present for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, making five starting appearances each, and they should receive the nod once again.

Having conceded just two goals en route to the continental crown, Senegal have their defence to thank for their stellar performance in Cameroon and we should see a similar back centre-back pairing of Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo shielding Mendy in goal.

Egypt possible starting lineup:
El-Shennawy; El-Wensh, Abdelmomen, Ashraf, Fatouh; H Fathi, El-Sulya, Elneny; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet

Senegal possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Sarr, Koulibaly, Diallo, Ciss; Kouyate, Mendy, I Gueye; Mane, Keita Kouyate, Sarr

Date, kick-off time and venue

Egypt vs Senegal is scheduled for an 7:30pm GMT kick-off on Friday, March 26, 2022.

The Cairo International Stadium in Egypt will host the match.

Where to watch Egypt vs Senegal

Fans can watch the action via streaming service Mola TV and FIFA TV. Users have to register, but it is free to watch

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Egypt wins: 6

Draws: 2

Senegal wins: 5

Ghana vs Nigeria preview: What a Match in March that takes Much

foot hg
-
0
Ghana vs Nigeria preview: What a Match in March that takes Much

The race for a place in Qatar kicks on as two African powerhouses in Ghana and Nigeria go head to head in the first of their two-legged playoff tie at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday.

Having failed to win any of the last four meetings between the sides since 2006, the Super Eagles will head into the game seeking to get one over their West African counterparts and strengthen their qualification chances.

Match preview

Ghana endured an underwhelming campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they suffered a shock group-stage exit after picking up just one point from three games in Group C.

Having lost 1-0 against Morocco in their opening game, the Black Stars played out a 1-1 draw with Gabon in their second outing before suffering a disappointing 3-2 defeat at the hands of debutants Comoros in the group finale.

Ghana will now look to quickly put that poor run behind them as they turn their sights to the World Cup qualifying playoffs, where they have been drawn against West African rivals Nigeria after narrowly clinching first place in Group G of the qualifiers.

Having picked up 10 points from their opening five games, Otto Addo’s men needed all three points in their final group game against South Africa on November 14 to progress to the next phase of the qualifiers.

Former Swansea City man Andre Ayew was calm under pressure as he converted his 33rd-minute penalty to send Ghana top of the group, leapfrogging the Bafana Bafana on goal difference, and into the playoffs.

While Ghana will be looking to pick up where they dropped off in their bid for a place in Qatar, they have struggled to get going in recent outings, losing three and claiming one draw from their most recent four games.

Meanwhile, Nigeria went unbeaten in all but one of their six games in the World Cup qualifiers, picking up four wins and one draw to collect 13 points to finish top of Group C, two points above runners-up Cape Verde.

The Super Eagles’ only defeat came at the hands of Central African Republic back in October, when Karl Namnganda scored a 90th-minute winner to hand the visitors a shock victory.

Nigeria head into Friday’s game fresh off the back of a last-16 exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after they suffered a 1-0 loss against Tunisia courtesy of Youssef Msakni’s solitary strike.

Prior to that defeat, Augustine Eguavoen’s side were on a six-game unbeaten run, claiming one draw and five wins, including three in their three AFCON group-stage games.

While Nigeria will be looking to quickly return to winning ways, next up is an opposing side who they have failed to defeat in each of the most recent four meetings between the sides, losing three and claiming one draw since a 1-0 victory back in 2006.

Team News

Ghana will be led by interim manager Otto Addo following the dismissal of Milovan Rajevac by the Ghana Football Association back in January due to their underwhelming run at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Addo has called up a youthful 27-man squad, including Reading defender Andy Yiadom, Arsenal star Thomas Partey and Bochum forward Christopher Antwi-Adjei.

The duo of Club Brugge defender Denis Odoi and Roma youngster Felix Afena-Gyan have been handed debut call-ups to the squad and could make their first senior appearances.

Despite returning with a positive COVID-19 test on Sunday, Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew, who is currently 10th in the nation’s all-time scoring chart, has also been named in the squad.

Nigeria, meanwhile, have called up a star-stuffed 25-man list for their two ties against the Black Stars, including the Premier League trio of Emmanuel Dennis, William Troost-Ekong and Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho.

Lorient midfielder Innocent Bonke has come into the squad in place of Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who suffered a knee injury in the 2-1 defeat against Rennes in a Europa Conference League on March 17.

Another notable absentee from the Super Eagles camp is Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after the 22-year-old recently suffered an illness.

Having received his approval from FIFA to represent Nigeria back in February, Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman has earned a place in the squad and could make his highly-anticipated debut on Friday.

The 24-year-old adds to the Super Eagles’ already formidable attacking unit and could team up with Iheanacho and in-form Napoli man Victor Osimhen in the final third.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Ghana vs Nigeria is scheduled for an 7:30pm GMT kick-off on Friday, March 26, 2022.

The Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi will host the match.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Ghana wins: 21

Draws: 18

Nigeria wins: 10

European champions Italy out of 2022 World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia

D O
-
0
European champions Italy out of 2022 World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia

European champions Italy will not play in the 2022 World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia in their play-off in Palermo.

Aleksandar Trajkovski picked up the loose ball in the 92nd minute, drove forward and fired a sensational winner from outside the area.

The goal sparked wild celebrations on the North Macedonia bench, while Italy’s players and coaching staff dropped to their knees in front of their home fans.

It means Italy have failed to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup, ensuring the Azzurri will endure at least 12 years between appearances at football’s showpiece event.

It is just eight months since Roberto Mancini’s side celebrated one of their greatest triumphs – beating England at Wembley to win Euro 2020 having been considered outsiders going into the tournament.

But they have now paid the price for a disjointed – if previously unbeaten – World Cup qualification campaign during which they finished runners-up to Switzerland in their group, winning four and drawing four of their eight matches.

As expected Italy dominated possession on Thursday but failed to penetrate the resolute North Macedonia defence, registering five shots on target from 32 attempts.

The visitors, ranked 67th in the world, are rewarded for their defensive display with a play-off final against Portugal, who beat Turkey 3-1.

North Macedonia are 90 minutes away from reaching consecutive tournaments, having never reached a Euros or World Cup before qualifying for Euro 2020.

Four-time World Cup winners Italy, who are ranked sixth in the world, will watch events in Qatar in November and December from afar.

-BBC

Senegalese native doctor predicts all 5 Africa World Cup play-off matches; Egypt, Algeria will lose [Check Ghana vs Nigeria & Mali vs Tunisia]

D O
-
0
Senegalese native doctor predicts all 5 Africa World Cup play-off matches; Egypt, Algeria will lose [Check Ghana vs Nigeria & Mali vs Tunisia]

A Senegalese native Doctor simply known as Kahone have issued yet again of his predictions about the results of 2022 World Cup play-off set to go down across ten major cities in Africa, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Kahone, “marabout” who became very popular after correctly predicting Senegal’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2021 in Cameroon earlier in the year, is back with yet another challenging prediction.

This one, with 10 matches set to go down on Friday tomorrow and Tuesday next week for the play-off first and return legs respectively, Kahone has come up with predictions that Nigeria, DR Congo, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt football fans would not like.

This time he delivered the scores of the various matches of the 2022 Africa Zone World Cup play-offs.

According to him, Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Senegal and Ghana will hoist Africa’s flag at the Qatar global showpiece

Here are the predictions:

DR Congo 1–2 Morocco

Cameroon 1–0 Algeria

Mali 2–0 Tunisia

Egypt 0–1 Senegal

Ghana 3–2 Nigeria

It could be recalled that the Senegalese Native Doctor, Kahone predicted that Senegal will win the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.

He said he saw the whole country (Senegal) celebrating winning the trophy in his dream.

Senegal defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win their first ever AFCON trophy in Cameron on February 6. The two teams will tango again on Friday and Tuesday next week for a slot in the 2022 World Cup final holding in Qatar later in November this year.

Source:Bestchoicesports.com.ng

VIDEO: Ghanaian spiritualist predicts Ghana vs Nigeria World Cup play-off clash

D O
-
0
VIDEO: Ghanaian spiritualist predicts Ghana vs Nigeria World Cup play-off clash

Rev. Seer Gyan correctly predicted that Ghana will lose its first game at the Cameroon AFCON, draw the second game and exit the competition at the early stage

Ghanaian spiritualist and football prophet Seer Gyan has predicted doom for the Black Stars in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

During the 2021 AFCON, Rev. Seer Gyan correctly predicted that Ghana will lose its first game 1-0 at the Cameroon tournament, draw the second game, and exit the competition at the early stage.

Milovan Rajevac’s Black Stars side slipped to a 1-0 loss to North African side Morocco in the opening game before drawing 1-1 with Gabon in the second game.

In a widely unexpected fashion, tournament minnows Comoros defeated the Black Stars 3-2 to progress ahead of the four-time AFCON winners.

Meanwhile, in Friday’s clash which is scheduled for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, the prophet has predicted there will be two goals in the game. He went further to reveal that the game will end 1-1 in Kumasi and the second leg in Abuja will end 0-0.

LISTEN to him in the below YouTube video during his interview with Asempa FM’s SportsNite host Enoch Worlanyo. 

-Ghana Sports Online

20,000 tickets sold out on e-ticketing platform ahead of Ghana-Nigeria game

D O
-
0
20,000 tickets sold out on e-ticketing platform ahead of Ghana-Nigeria game

Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced that 20,000 tickets have been sold on the novel e-ticket platform introduced by the government for the 2022 World Cup playoff between the Black Stars and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Ghana host Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 25,2022.

The second leg encounter comes off at the Moshood Abiola Sports Stadium in Abuja on March 29,2022.

In a statement released by the Sports Ministry the 40,000 seater capacity stadium has been filled by 50 per cent.

“With less than 48 hours to kick-off for the much-awaited encounter between the Black Stars and the Super Eagles of Nigeria, we are happy to announce that our novel e-ticket sales, initiated by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has so far registered nearly 20,000 tickets which is half the capacity of the Baba Yara Stadium.

Considering that this is the first time we are using this technology, we are quite impressed by the remarkable patronage and success of the initiative.

We thank the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for initiating this drive and pushing all stakeholders to make it possible for this crucial World Cup playoff with Nigeria.

Indeed, we are getting into a new era where the scramble for tickets at stadium gates will be a thing of the past.

It is Digi-time and it is time for convenience. Thank you, Mr. Vice President and all our partners.

*To conveniently get your ticket online for Friday’s match between the Black Stars and the Super Eagles of Nigeria, dial *711# on all networks and follow the steps.*

Get your e-ticket on time to save time and disappointment at the gates.

Nigeria land in Kumasi with a chartered flight for World Cup play-off tie against Ghana

D O
-
0
Nigeria land in Kumasi with a chartered flight for World Cup play-off tie against Ghana

Players and officials of the Super Eagles departed Abuja for Kumasi aboard Air Peace on Thursday morning, ahead of Friday’s 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs with Black Stars of Ghana.

The whole contingent including 25 players of the Super Eagles have safely arrived in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital for the epic encounter.

They are expected tol hold a training session inside the Babayara stadium in Kumasi for the first leg tie this evening at 7pm local time.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars coach Otto Addo will hold a press conference later today.

The Eagles will be looking for a first win against Ghana since the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The last time both teams met in a World Cup qualifier was during the race for the 2002 edition in Korea and Japan.

Grouped alongside Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan, the Super Eagles eventually picked the sole ticket after thrashing Ghana 3-0 in the last group game in Port Harcourt.

For the Black Stars, they will hope to make a return to the World Cup after missing the 2018 edition in Russia.
For the Eagles, they will be targeting a seventh appearance since making their debut in 1994.

1...518519520...928Page 519 of 928