AFCON 2023 Q: Madagascar vs Ghana preview, team news, kick off time, predicted line-up & more

Madagascar and Ghana are set to face off in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium on Sunday.

Nicolas Dupuis’ team, who have struggled to secure a victory in their four qualifying matches, are eager to break their winless streak and climb from the bottom of Group E.

Madagascar began their quest for a second-ever appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations in June 2022, suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Ghana. They were then held to a 1-1 draw by Angola, with goals from Gelson Dala and Njiva Rakotoharimalala at the Kianja Barea Mahamasina.

However, consecutive losses against Central African Republic followed, with a 3-0 defeat in Antananarivo on March 23 and a 2-0 loss at the Stade de la Reunification four days later.

Madagascar’s hopes of qualifying for the AFCON since their 2019 appearance have dwindled, as they currently sit at the bottom of Group E, trailing third-placed Angola by five points.

On the other hand, Ghana has enjoyed an unbeaten campaign in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and is on the verge of securing their ninth consecutive appearance in the tournament.

After a convincing victory over Madagascar in their group opener, the Black Stars were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Central African Republic. They then participated in the 2022 World Cup, where they exited in the group stage after earning three points from three matches and finishing last in Group H.

In their return to the AFCON qualifiers, Ghana secured a 1-0 win over Angola on March 23, followed by a 1-1 draw against the same opponent at the Estadio 11 de Novembro.

Ghana now needs a victory in one of their final two matches to secure their place in Ivory Coast. With eight points, they currently lead Group G by one point over second-placed Central African Republic.

The West African giants are aiming for their ninth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearance, a streak that dates back to 2004 when they failed to qualify for the tournament.

Madagascar’s newly-appointed manager, Romuald Rakotondrabe, has called up a 29-man squad, including the leading domestic league scorers Toky Rakotondraibe and Tokiniaina Randriatsiferana. Thailand-based striker Njiva Rakotoharimalala has been excluded due to injury, and Carolus Andriamahitsinoro, 33 years old, has been added as a late inclusion.

Madagascar possible starting lineup:

Adrien; Bertrand, Boyer, Manoelantsoa, Metanire; Amada, Rakotoarisoa, Andrianarimanana, Rafanomezantsoa; Rakotondraibe, Randriatsiferana

Ghana has selected 24 players for the upcoming match, with Tariq Lamptey, Antoine Semenyo, and Mohammed Salisu sidelined due to injuries. Thomas Partey of Arsenal is expected to provide stability in midfield, while Mohammed Kudus, Joseph Paintsil and Jordan Ayew are likely to lead the Black Stars’ attacking line. Joseph Aidoo and Daniel Amartey from Leicester City are anticipated to form the center-back partnership, while Hafiz Konkoni of Bechem United, who scored 15 goals in the betPawa Premier League, will be vying for a starting role.

Date for the game

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Time:

14:00 GMT – 2 pm Ghana Time

Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati; Odoi, Amartey, Aidoo, Mensah; Partey, Samed; Sulemana, Paintsil, Kudus, J. Ayew.