AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Ghana targets positive start against Madagascar

Ghana take on Madagascar at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in an AFCON qualifier on Wednesday, with both sides being in poor form.

Ghana will be riding the high of qualifying for the World Cup later this year, having beaten Nigeria over two legs back in March.

Otto Addo’s side have, however, been in poor form and are winless in their last six games across all competitions.

They will look to turn things around with a win against Madagascar on Wednesday.

Madagascar have also been in poor form, having won only one of their last six games across all competitions.

Fabiano Flora’s side will be going into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw against Tanzania last time out. They will hope to take something away from the game against Ghana on Wednesday.

Both sides will want to start their qualification campaign off on a strong note and that should make for an interesting matchup.

Thomas Partey, Joseph Aidoo and Andy Yiadom will miss the game through injury. Apart from that, Addo will have a full strength side to choose from for the game on Wednesday.

Madagascar will be without Marco Ilaimaharitra and Romain Metanire as both players are unavailable due to injury.

Predicted Lineups:

Ghana Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joseph Wollacott; Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi; Elisha Owusu, Idrissu Baba; Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudis, Osman Bukari; Felix Afena-Gyan

Madagascar (5-4-1): Mathyas Randriamamy; Romain Métanire, Fabien Boyer, Mamy Gervais, Jérémy Morel, Loïc Lapoussin; Njiva Rakotoharimalala, Dorian Bertrand, Rayan Raveloson, Paulin Voavy; Fabrice Rakotondraibe