AFCON 2019 Qualifiers: What Ghana Needs To Do To Ensure Qualification

The Ghana Black Stars will on Sunday face Ethiopia for a place in the 2019 African cup of nations qualifiers but following the suspension of Sierra Leone by FIFA last month, Ghana’s match with them was called off and left the group in a dicey position.

The Black Stars have only three points from their opening two matches with Ethiopia and Kenya. They are a  point behind Ethiopia despite playing two games fewer. Kenya lead the group standings with seven points after four games. Remember the top two nations would qualify for the tournament.

In Pictures: Black Stars Players Have First Training Session Ahead Of Ethiopia Clash

This means that Ghana would have to beat Ethiopia in Adis-Ababa come Sunday to further improve their chances. The status of Sierra Leone is yet to be decided as FIFA and CAF are still deliberating on that matter.

Ghana thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in June 2017 in the first meeting between the two nations and would be in buoyant mood ahead of the clash. Most of the players who took part in that game are also back after a period of hiatus.

GFA FIFA NC responds to reports of Black Stars stranded in Kenya

Star’s all-time top goalscorer, Asamoah Gyan, is expected to lead the line against Ethiopia alongside youngster Emmanuel Boateng, who has shown his prowess in Europe. Though Gyan has only played 49 minutes across four substitute appearances in the Turkish Super Lig for Kayserispor so far this campaign it is believed his presence will prove pivotal for the side despite many feeling his time is well and truly up.

Inter Milan Kwadwo Asamoah unavailable for Ghana against Ethiopia due to injury

Whoever leads the line for the stars on Sunday one thing is for sure, Ghana needs to win their next two games or pick up a minimum of 4 points from the remaining two to ensure absolute qualification to the tournament in Cameroon next year.