Zimbabwe Vs Ghana: Match Preview, Probable XI & Predictions
Zimbabwe Warriors will go into battle against the Black Stars of Ghana once again on Tuesday, this time on a back foot after suffering a 3-1 loss in Cape Coast on Saturday.
Although the Warriors are technically out of contention for the top spot in Group G, a win at home against Ghana will restore pride and confidence in the team ahead of the Africa cup of nations finals early next year.
While victory for the Black Stars keeps them in contention for the top spot and put pressure on group leaders South Africa who remain unbeaten after three matches.
Zimbabwe and Ghana have met seven times already in the past and the East Africans have an upper hand with four wins while the Warriors have only managed a win and draw twice.
With an eight-game winless run so far for the Warriors Mapeza will be looking to turn the tables around and go all out for a win meaning he could adopt an attacking 4-3-3 formation with a strong traditional back four,three midfielders and three strikers.
After experimenting with the defence in the previous encounter, where Mapeza sat Hadebe on the bench opting for Nyasha Munetsi as a makeshift center back, the FC Platinum coach is likely to go for the tried and tested.
Meaning he could partner Hadebe and Mudimu at center back with new boy Brendan Galloway along with Zambia based, Takudzwa Chimwemwe occupying the left and right back respectively in place of Onismor Bhasera and Tendayi Darikwa who excused himself due to a family matter.
The three man midfield roles could be given to Marvelous Nakamba, Jordan Zemura and Thabani Kamusoko to bring the defensive and attacking flare in the middle of the park.
Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona and Knox Mutizwa could form a potent front line with Mutizwa stretching the opponents’ defensive line.
On the other hand, the star-studded Ghana side will bank their success on experience. The inform midfield duo Thomas Partey and Ajax Amsterdam’s Mohammed Kudus are the key man for the Black Stars in the center of the park.
Andre and Jordan Ayew will continue to lead the attack for the Black Stars.
Zimbabwe Predicted XI (4-3-3): Talbert Shumba (GK), Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Brendan Galloway, Alec Mudimu, Teenage Hadebe, Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat, Jordan Zemura, Knox Mutizwa, Thabani Kamusoko, Knowledge Musona (c).
Ghana Predicted XI (4-5-1): Jojo Wollacott (GK); Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey; Iddrisu Baba, Thomas Partey; Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew (c), Jordan Ayew, Sulemana.
Score Prediction
Zimbabwe 2- 1 Ghana
