Ghana are facing the prospect of an early elimination from World Cup 2022 Group H when they travel to the Education City Stadium to face South Korea today.
The Black Stars fell to an agonising 3-2 defeat to Portugal on the opening day, while their Asian counterparts impressively held Uruguay to a goalless draw.
By avoiding defeat in their opening battle, the Tigers of Asia come into their clash with Ghana having only lost one of their last 10 in all competitions, and the Kim Min-jae-marshalled defence has kept three clean sheets in succession during a four-game unbeaten run.
Despite their prowess in the defensive third, South Korea failed to post a shot on target for the second time in four World Cup games during the Uruguay stalemate, and Ghana certainly knew a thing or two about keeping teams at bay during the build-up to Qatar.
As for Ghana, Otto Addo lined up in a defence-heavy formation for the showdown with Portugal, which very nearly paid dividends, but the need for victory could see the Black Stars shift to a four-man defence here.
However, in today’s encounter, Ghana’s goalkeeping position will be occupied by Lawrence Ati Zigi but we expect one change from the defense.
Otto Addo has no injury concerns heading into this encounter.
Gideon Mensah could start from the left-back position as replacement for Baba Rahman alongside Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku, and Alidu Seidu.
In midfield, Thomas Partey, Kudus Mohammed and Abdul Salis Samed are expected to maintain their roles while Andre Ayew partners Inaki Williams upfront.
Today’s game will mark the 10th meeting between South Korea and Ghana in all competitions, with the last six yielding three wins apiece for both nations, but Ghana ran out convincing 4-0 winners during the most recent battle in a 2014 friendly.
Should Ghana come out as victorious, they will stand a chance to make it to the knockout stage depending on the result from Uruguay and Portugal game.
Ghana’s possible line-up:
Lawrence Ati-Zig GK
Gideon Mensah
Daniel Amarty
Mohammed Salisu
Tariq Lamptey
Abdul Salis Samed
Thomas Partey
Kudus Mohammed
Andre Ayew (C)
Jordan Ayew
Inaki Williams
