Kingson expecting win over Mauritius

Ghana goalkeeper Richard 'Olele' Kingson is confident the Black Stars will cruise past Mauritius in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Sunday at Stade George V in Curepipe, despite the absence of captain Asamoah Gyan.

The Shanghai SIPG star, who has been linked to Chelsea, was excused from the international duty after sustaining a knee injury in the Chinese Super League last month.

Ghana won the first leg 6-1 in Accra last year and will need a win of any kind to qualify for the tournament holding in Gabon next year.

“Ghana have the best chance to qualify and will not take Mauritius for granted even without Asamoah Gyan.

“Sometimes, a player's personality counts in football but this is not Gyan's first time of missing such games, so they will cope with his absence,” Kingson told Success FM.

“When he's around, his contribution is great but the Black Stars will perform well without him. Ghana will definitely win this game to qualify for the competition.

"I believe it may not be like the 6-1 thrashing in Accra last year but a win for Ghana is likely. There is quality in the team to surmount every bulwark defence that will come their way and what is required from the players is to remain focused and not lose their heads," he added.

Swansea City midfielder Andre Ayew will wear the armband in Gyan's absence.

Ghana are leaders of Group H with 10 points, four above Mauritius and Rwanda.