Sports News of Saturday, 29 June 2019

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

LIVE UPDATES: Ghana vs Cameroon (2019 AFCON)

Ghana must avoid defeat against Cameroon today Ghana must avoid defeat against Cameroon today

Two years ago, Cameroon defeated Ghana 2-0 en-route their fifth Africa Cup title. Today the two nations clash in what could be a revenge for Ghana or repeat for Cameroon.

It’s a meeting of two of Africa’s football powerhouses with nine AFCON titles between them. While Cameroon’s last title came two years ago, Ghana’s fourth and last title was won exactly 37 years ago.

An opening game draw to Benin means the Black Stars must at least avoid a defeat today to keep alive their ‘Year of Return’ agenda.

Cameroon coach Clarence Seedorf has endured a fair share of criticism from Cameroonians but he is convinced his style will fetch them the three points today.

He reckons the team that wins the midfield battle will ultimately win today’s game and he is prepared for the fight.

“Ghana has quality and I know it is going to be a tough match but we are prepared. We will entertain compact defence and attack when we pick on Ghana. Pressing from the midfield is our key weapon”, he said at a pre-match presser on Thursday.

His counterpart Kwesi Appiah has come under scrutiny for some decisions he made in the team’s draw against Benin but has vowed to end the countries winless record against the Indomitable Lions. “Ghana has total respect for all teams in the competition.

The mere fact that you beat a team in the past does not automatically guarantee you will beat them again. Every team that we meet, we plan a strategy to face them. No can underrate Ghana and Cameroon in any encounter.

We will make sure we do our best and give them a very good game,” Appiah said in his pre-match press conference. Skipper Andre Ayew has shaken off injury to be fit for the game and has been named in the lineup for the game.

Kwesi Appiah has made three changes to team that faced Benin with Kwadwo Asamoah, Baba Rahman and Jonathan Mensah making their first start of the tournament.

Unlike Ghana, Cameroon have no injury or suspension worries and Seedorf will most likely name a squad similar to the one that beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 last Tuesday.

Game starts at 5:00pm but updates start at 4:30