CAN 2008 Preview: Ghana - Guinea

• What: African Cup of Nations, Group A, Matchday 1
• Who: Ghana (0 points) vs. Guinea (0 points)
• When: 1800 CET, Sunday, January 20, 2008
• Where: Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra

All eyes turn to Afrcia this evening as the always colourful Cup of African Nations kicks off in Accra, with tournament favourites and hosts Ghana facing outsiders Guinea.

Guinea Look For A Shock

CAN 2008 Preview: Guinea

However, if we have learnt anything from the tournament's history, it is that it produces more shocks and upsets than a World Cup and a European Championship put together.
More often than not, the form book goes right out of the window, which is precisely what Guinea will be looking for. Celtic defender Bobo Balde admitted as much, speaking exclusively to Goal.com's Francisco Acebo.

Exclusive: 'Bobo' Balde On Guinea's Chances

"Well, playing the opening match in Accra against Ghana isn't ideal, but in football anything is possible in any given match," he said.
"I wouldn't rule out our chances of causing a shock on Sunday. We hope to work hard enough to get a good result in the Cup. We can only succeed if we put in the maximum possible effort.
"This could be the last African Cup of Nations in my career, so I'm dreaming of success both for me and the team."
They may be aware of the task that likes ahead, but Guinea most certainly have no fear as they face Ghana in their den.
"I have no fear of Ghana's squad, nor [Michael] Essien," insisted Balde. "Guinea will line up with eleven players who are confident of doing well in this match.
"Playing in front of their own fans means that they [Ghana] have to win, while we'll have a more relaxed debut. Maybe this gives Guinea a small advantage."

Nouzaret Cautious Over Ghana Clash
An Open Group?

Balde also beleives that the group, also including Morocco and Namibia, is a very open one.
"Our group is very open. After Ghana we face Morocco and Namibia, and it's possible for us to succeed," he adds. "The goal is to get to the quarter finals - after that, we'll see. It depends on our opponent."
Guinea Aim For Semi-Finals
However, realistically speaking, it is almost unthinkable that Ghana will not make it to the quarter-finals, so the race is between the other three teams to secure the other spot. Morocco and Guinea are expected to have to battle it out for second spot, as far as the form book goes.
In light of that, any result against the hosts will be a massive bonus for Guinea, and possibly help them put one foot in the next stage.

All Eyes On Essien
CAN 2008 Preview: Ghana

Michael Essien was always going to be Ghana's star attraction, but with Steven Appiah ruled out, the attention on him has almost turned into a frenzy, particularly among the English language media.
As hosts, however, there is tremendous pressure on the entire team, who must now come good on the promise shown in the 2006 World Cup.
"We feel special when we see what we mean to the fans," said the Chelsea midfielder. "They travel from all over the country to welcome us and the least I can do is stop and have a chat."
Portsmouth's Sulley Muntari is the other player who has received plenty of the limelight, and he is expected to partner Essien in the middle of what appears to be a high quality midfield despite Appiah's absence.
Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele agrees: "Ghana can go all the way because they are playing in front of their own fans with a strong squad. Losing Appiah will be overcome as Michael Essien - and Sulley Muntari - are both great midfielders."
Coach Claude le Roy, who guided Cameroon to title glory 20 years ago, however, is cautious. "Guinea are a skilful football team," he said. "They've got some of the best players in the French league.
"It's a well-balanced side and we know it'll be very complicated. They've players who can create problems, like Pascal Feindouno, but it's important we get a win on the table."
TEAM NEWS
Ghana
Muntari would usually have played a wide role, but he will now join Essien, leaving fit-again Hearts midfielder Laryea Kingston to take on a right sided position. Stephen Appiah's absence, then, seems to be well-covered.
Richard Kingson is likely to start in goal. Junior Agogo could join Asamoah Gyan in the front pairing, but this team's strength largely lies in the midfield. The defence could comprise players based in the Premiership, Bundesliga, Eredivise and Ligue 1 in the form of Paintsil, Sarpei, a delayed-position Addo, and Mensah.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei, Fatau Dauda, Richard Kingson
Defenders: Hans Sarpei, John Paintsil, John Mensah, Nana Kwasi Asare, Sheila Illiasu, Harrison Afful
Midfielders: Anthony Annan, Laryea Kingston, Michael Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari, Andre Ayew, Bennard Yao Kumordzi, Ahmed Apimah Barusso, Eric Addo, Haminu Dramani
Strikers: Asamoah Gyan, Manuel Junior Agogo, Kwadwo Asamoah, Baffur Gyan, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
GuineaCoach Robert Nouzaret will give plenty of room to talented St. Ettiene midfielder-cum-forward Pascal Feindouno, who is expected to star for Guinea. He will no doubt be marked out by Essien, and that battle could well determine the outcome of this game.
Further back, the defence will be marshalled by Bobo Balde, while Ibrahim Camara and Daouda Jabi should also take part in what is an imposing back line. Ismael Bangoura will look to link up well with Feindouno in the attack, which is perhaps the strongest part of this team: the midfield is a bit unsung in comparison.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Naby Diarso, Kemoko Camaram, Naby Yattara
Defenders: Ibrahima Camara, Bobo Balde, Kamil Zayatte, Alseny Camara, Ömer, Ibrahim Diallo, Habib Jean Balde, Daouda Jabi
Midfielders: Pascal Feindouno, Mohamed Cisse, Kanfory Sylla, Mohamed Sacko, Naby Soumah, Samuel Johnson, Mamadou Bah
Strikers: Fode Mansare, Victor Correa, Ismael Bangoura, Souleymane Youla, Karamoko Cisse
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ghana: Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan
It is almost impossible not to mention Essien. He will be called upon to inspire his team, and to keep his temper in check - something he was only too willing to admit can be an issue. Ghana can ill afford to do without him for even one game if they want to win this.
Gyan's battle with Balde will be an absorbing one to witness. Another one of the 2006 World Cup stars, he will need to make his team's hard work count on the scoreboard.
Guinea: Bobo Balde and Pascal Feindouno
One of the leading light's of Guinea's campaign, the sturdy Balde will be called upon to stamp his authority and keep Ghana in check. That will clearly be the first half of the plan, for if Guinea stay in the game, there is no telling what frustration and pressure from the crowd could do to the hosts.
Feindouno, meanwhile, will be charged with picking up the pieces, and making his impact against the likes of Essien. A couple of clinical counter-attacks, or one defence splitting pass, and we could have a shock on our cards.
PREDICTION
Guinea will not succumb easily, and it could be a while before the first goal arrives. But when it does, it could well become one way traffic. Ghana to win but Guinea to grab a consolation goal.
Ghana 3-1 Guinea