FIFA World Cup 2022 African Team Profiles – Ghana

Ghana are enjoying an extended golden period and have qualified for their fourth World Cup in five editions. Since their maiden appearance in 2006, no African team has been to the finals on more occasions, missing out only in 2018. They progressed to the knockouts in two of their three appearances and were an infamous Suarez goal line-handball away from reaching the semi-finals in 2010. Yet, they come into this event as the lowest-ranked of all countries (61).

An Open Group

According to Elo Ratings, this is the second “weakest” group. This doesn’t mean Ghana will have it easy, only that the teams come into this based on mixed recent form and rankings.

Still, Portugal are favoured to progress, given a 53% (FiveThirtyEght) and a 55% (Opta) chance of actually winning the group. Both data models have Uruguay as second and South Korea as third favourites. Opta’s 7% is higher than the 5% chance that FiveThirtyEight gives Ghana, but it’s clear that Ghana tipped as the whipping boys here.

The Squad

Ghana has the average youngest squad at the tournament, with the Ayew family (Andre & Jordan) and Daniel Odoi the only players above 30. A few players have switched allegiance from European places of birth to the Black Stars, bringing an interesting blend that could be a surprise factor in the tournament. The likes of Tariq Lamptey and Mohamed Kudus may be classified as youth (age-wise), but they are experienced players in their own right.

How Can They Progress?

Ghana opens against Portugal, a match in which they will be underdogs. A win here could throw all the predictions out the window, but even a draw will be a good result. Defeat will not be a disaster – Ghana lost their first game in 2006, but still progressed from the Group. Should they open with a loss, the manner and margin would have to be respectable in order to stay alive. They have previously progressed with four points from the group, and that could also suffice in .

Key Game

We’ve picked Uruguay as the key game and the most likely to decide who finishes second. It’s already a game loaded with history (remember 2010?), but there is a lot riding on it again here. With South Korea facing Portugal at the same time, this could be a winner takes all clash. Yet, that will need Ghana to have taken something from the first two games, a point at least, ideally three. The bookies mirror the models and make Uruguay favourites, but it’s close.

Key Player

Mohammed Kudus is arguably the most exciting player in the squad littered with players from La Liga, Ligue 1 and the EPL, but it’s hard to look beyond Thomas Partey as the key player. His defensive nous has been key for Arsenal in their unlikely title charge, but his shots and goals from long range could also make the difference.