The Black Stars of Ghana were held to a goalless draw by South Africa in their final warm-up match before AFCON 2019. The result means that the Ghanaian national team heads to Egypt without a win in the pre-tournament friendlies they were involved in.
The final warm-up match against Bafana Bafana gave us a sneak peek at Kwesi Appiah's probable starting XI when hostilities commence in Egypt. Erthswhile skipper, Asamoah Gyan, started from the bench, and Mubarak Wakaso was also dropped to the bench in favour of a central midfield pairing of Thomas Partey & Kwadwo Asamoah.
The four-time African champions will be looking to hoist their first AFCON trophy in over 30 years, having come close several times in the past few years, finishing among the top 4 in each of the last 7 editions.
Last time out, the Black Stars were eliminated in the semifinals by fellow Group F favourites & defending champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Ghana finished 4th, as they were beaten by Burkina Faso in the 3rd place decider.
Group F consists of Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, and Guinea Bissau. Kwesi Appiah's men are expected to qualify in the top 2, alongside defending champions Cameroon.
Ghana's first opponents in AFCON 2019 will be Benin, and they will be looking to make light work of their West African neighbours who are making an appearance for the first time in 9 years, with this being their fourth bow at the African showpiece.
Kwesi Appiah's team is a fine blend of experience and youth, as the 23 man squad consists of battle-hardened veterans like Kwadwo Asamoah & Asamoah Gyan, as well as young vibrant players like Jordan Ayew and Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey.
The team will be led by Andre 'Dede' Ayew, and he is tasked with marshalling the Black Stars to a 5th AFCON triumph.