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Ghana in danger of getting eliminated early

The Black Stars got a worse deal than they deserved in their premiere, the Algerians fared better

Ghana were defeated against Senegal in their first match and are already in danger of getting eliminated now. Against Algeria, whom the bookmakers see as top contenders for the gold, they need at least a point to stay in the competition.

They played a cautious, closed game against Senegal, but had many chances from set pieces and counterattacks and led most of the time, losing 1-2 with a goal after three minutes of overtime, while a draw would have been a much more appropriate outcome.

The defenders struggled to adjust to the 3-4-3 formation of their new selector Grant, Awal struggled in particular, but he will be replaced by recovered Boye today. They'll get an even more important reinforcement on offense, as their captain and top scored Asamoah Gyan, who recovered from malaria.

- It's important to stay calm and avoid creating extra pressure, we may have lost one battle but we haven't lost the war- said Gyan to his teammates.

Algeria won three points in a comeback against JAR, who took the lead, missed a penalty for 2-0, and then scored an unlucky goal to themselves, which totally destroyed their confidence.

- It took us long to get properly playing, the pitch was bad, it was almost impossible to control the ball- said selector Gourcuff later.

All three matches will be played in the same venue at Mongom, and the forecast is rain with temperatures over 30˚C,, which will certainly not benefit the players. Injured defender Halliche will sit this one out, with selector Gourcuff  announcing a few more changes.


They haven't met Ghana since 2001., and the score so far is strangely balanced: 4-3-3 in favor of the Black Stars. Nobody ever won by more than one goal.

Ghana may have their issues, but their individual quality still places them at the very top of African football, next to the Elephants, and ahead of Algeria and Nigeria in my opinion. Today they're more motivated, will be encouraged by the return of a key player, and they're practically at home.
I cannot accept Algeria as favorites here, this is at worst an even situation. Since they'd be happy with a point (which would give Ghana at least some chance as well), i still recommend covering 0.