Ethiopia could do a massive favour for South Africa when they host Ghana in a Group G Matchday 5 2022 World Cup Qualifier, set for the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Thursday 11 November 2021.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.
Ghana come into the clash placed second on the standings, trailing leaders South Africa (who will host Zimbabwe at the nearby FNB Stadium later the same day) by just one point, and looking to claim a victory to pile the pressure on Bafana Bafana (with Ghana and SA set for a likely decisive clash in Cape Coast on Sunday 14 November).
The Black Stars picked up back-to-back wins over Zimbabwe in October under returning coach Milovan Rajevac, though the Serbian has had to defend his decision to call 18-year-old Felix Afena-Gyan of Roma into the preliminary squad.
“I believe the people from AS Roma and [Jose] Mourinho is a famous coach, he’s known for his accomplishments in his career, [and] if they are assured to give him a chance, [then] we also believe he is good for the Black Stars],” Rajevac explained.
“For example, [in their] last match, he played against AC Milan and came on in the second half, and if they think [he’s good for opportunities, then we believe too].
“He’s a young player and he definitely has prospects and by his performance, he is a promising talent. So why shouldn’t we be assured [about him]?”
Ethiopia, meanwhile, were beaten home and away by SA last month, with the results seeing them eliminated from the race for top spot. Yet they could still play a major role by taking points off Ghana in this clash and coach Wubetu Abate has named a strong squad, including top scorer Getaneh Kebede and key midfielder Shimeles Bekele.
Ethiopia and Ghana have met in five matches dating back to 1963. The Black Stars have claimed four wins compared to one for the Walia Ibex, with zero games drawn. The teams met on Matchday 1 back in September when Ghana claimed a 1-0 home win in Cape Coast thanks to a goal from midfielder Mubarak Wakaso.
Source: © Backpage TXT