Soccer News of Friday, 9 October 2009

Source: peter pedroncelli, goal.com

2009-10-09

World Cup Qualifying Preview: Benin - Ghana

Benin Looking For Nations Cup Berth

As far as the African Nations Cup goes, Ghana have therefore already qualified for the continental showpiece after guaranteeing top spot, and Mali could join them in Angola next year if they get a point against Sudan, which would leave the third and final qualifying place open for Benin and Sudan to fight over.

The Squirrels need at least a win to remain in the hunt for a third appearance at the Orange Africa Cup of Nations after their 2004 and 2008 exploits. At the moment Benin have the upper hand over Sudan, as they are on four points while Sudan prop up the group on a single point.

They know however that if the Sudanese beat Mali and Ghana then, the results would take Sudan’s tally to four points and thus bring them level with Benin.

This will then mean that the battle of the two remaining spots will go to the last match of the group in November when the already qualified Ghana will face Mali at home while Benin travel to Sudan.

Ghana Already Qualified

Group D consists of Ghana, Mali, Benin and Sudan. Ghana tops the group with a maximum points tally of 12 from four encounters, meaning that Ghana became the first African country after hosts South Africa to qualify for the 2010 event. The Black Stars did so with a win over Sudan in the last round of matches, while Benin and Mali registered a draw.

Even though the Stars have a seven-point advantage in Group D with only two games remaining, Milovan Rajevac insists the match against Benin in Cotonou is important, for pride and consistency.

Ghana have won all their games in the qualifiers so far and are yet to concede a goal, and Rajevac is keen for his team to maintain the high standard in Cotonou.

 “There is no pressure ahead of this game but it is important for the team and the new players called in that the result is positive for us because every match is a good experience,” the Serbian told KickOffGhana.com.


TEAM NEWS

Benin

Benin Head coach, Michel Dussuyer has named a 20-man squad for this weekend’s 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Frenchman left out offensive midfielder Abou Maiga of French second division outfit, US Creteil while midfielder Stephane Sessgnon of Paris Saint-Germain and burly striker Razak Omotoyossi of FC Metz maintain their places in a squad dominated by players from French Lower divisions.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Djidonou Yoann, Chitou Rachad.
Defenders: Adenon Khaled, Adou Mouftaou, Chrhrysostome Damien, Salomon Junior, Singbo Felicien, Traore Hai.
Midfielders: Boco Romuald, Ahoueya Jocelyn, Djokoue Patrice, Koukou Djiman, Tchomogo Seidah, Angan Pascal, Kobena Nouhoum, Ogunbiyi Mouritala, Sessegnon Stéphane.
Strikers: Aoudou Mohamed, Omotoyossi Razak, Pote Mickaël.

Ghana

Sulley Muntari will miss Ghana's qualifier against Benin, but there are surprise call ups for Lee Arday and Yaw Antwi. John Mensah will also be absent after he missed Sunderland's trip to Old Trafford with an injury. There is also no place in the squad for Junior Agogo, but Jonathan Quartey is called for the first time in five games.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingston, Phil McCarthy.
Defenders: John Paintsil, Harrison Afful, Lee Arday, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Quartey, Eric Addo.
Midfielders: Anthony Annan, Michael Essien, Moussa Narry, Laryea Kingston, Rahim Ayew, Derek Boateng, Stephen Appiah, Haminu Dramani.
Strikers: Asamoah Gyan, Matthew Amoah, Yaw Antwi, Samuel Kyere.

PREDICTION

The match between these two African sides has little real significance for Ghana, as they have already qualified, but they will still be keen to keep their impressive record going, and perhaps they simply have too much quality for this Benin side.

Benin 0-2 Ghana