CAN 2008 Preview: Ghana - Ivory Coast

Loser’s Final

Many soccer analysts had predicted that both the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and the Black Stars of Ghana would clash in Sunday’s final, but after two dramatic semi-finals encounters the tables have turned around spectacularly.

Both teams are meeting, but it’s the in third place playoff, or the losers' final!

Still In Shock

The shock around the Ohene Djan stadium after Alain Nkong’s goal gave the Cameroonians victory was tangible, with the hosts thus falling short at the second to last stage.

But to the neutral, such a sense of surprise could not even compared to that which pervaded the air in Kumasi when tournament favorites, the Ivory Coast were mercilessly dealt with by the defending Champions, the Pharaohs of Egypt.

The hosts have received the bulk of the coverage. Many Ghanaian supporters had expected their team to get to the final, so it was no surprise that defeat saw many verbal arrows fired in the direction of the squad and coach. Claude Leroy has been at the centre of many of these criticisms, with local journalists upset over his team selection for the game.

In all fairness to the well-traveled French coach, his options were quite limited, with several key players ruled out of the encounter.

Captain John Mensah had picked up a straight red card in the quarterfinal encounter against Nigeria, while Laryea Kingston and striker Asamoah Gyan were both ruled out due to injury.

The side therefore had only one out and out striker, Junior Agogo, while Michael Essien had to leave his natural midfield position to play as a makeshift central defender.

If the Ghanaians felt hard done by their loss, then the Ivorians surely did not know what hit them after the 90 minutes were over in Kumasi.

Kader Keita’s wonder strike was just about the only smiling point for the Elephants on the night, as Hassan Shehata’s wards ran riot. Didier Drogba was rendered an anonymous fellow, and the weak point of the Ivorians was exposed for the world to see.

Regaining Pride

In today’s game both teams will attempt to regain their pride, and the usual dull affair that characterizes third place playoff matches would be substituted for an entertaining match-up. The countries are neighbors and the stadium in Kumasi will likely be filled to capacity for the occasion.

In a further twist, both teams might attempt to give starting shirts to players who had been on the bench previously.

TEAM NEWS

Ghana

Coach Claude Le Roy will have his Captain John Mensah available for selection again, but Asamoah Gyan and Laryea Kingston are still very much doubtful to feature for the Ghanaians in this game.

Belgium-based defender Nana Kwasi Asare and local favorite Harrison Afful should get an opportunity to showcase their skills and talents.

Birmingham City goalkeeper Richard Kingston should remain in the number one jersey for the Black Stars, as Le Roy will be very much interested in winning this game.

The defensive line will witness the return of captain John Mensah, who should be assisted by Hans Sarpei, Harrison Afful and West Ham United’s wing back John Paintsil.

Michael Essien should return to his midfield role alongside Sulley Muntari, Ahmed Barusso of Galatasary and fan favorite Haminu Dramani.

Junior Agogo and Dede Ayew should hold the attacking line for the Ghanaians.

Ivory Coast

Coach Gerard Gili has an array of stars on his bench, and there is a direct replacement for every single position on the pitch available, save the goalkeeping role.

Barry Boubacar, who plays for Lokeren, suffered an injury in the first half of the game in Kumasi, with replacement Stephan Loboue not exactly covering himself in glory as a substitute. Nonetheless, he should remain in goal for the Elephants.

The defensive line should see the return of Marc Zoro, who will be joined by Emmanual Eboue, Arthur Boka and Abdoulaye Meite.

The midfield should feature Didier Zokora, Emersae Fae, AbdelKader Keita and possibly Christain Koffi Ndri.

In attack may be the much-sidelined Arouna Kone alongside Werder Bremen forward Boubacar Sanogo, with Drogba given a rest.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ghana

Michael Essien - The Chelsea player has been the strongest point forthe Ghanaians so far in the tournament, although the decision of Claude Leroy to shift him into the central defensive position in the last game took the bite out of the Ghanaian attack. He should return to his normal role today and bring back life to the Black Stars.

Ivory Coast

AbdelKader Keita - The Olympique Lyonnais man was all over the pitch during his team’s 1-4 loss to Egypt and crowned his efforts with an absolute screamer of a goal. Though the strike wasn’t enough for victory, he will want to make sure his efforts count for something in today’s encounter.

PREDICTION

This encounter is going to be a keenly contested affair, as both teams will want to leave the tournament with some form of dignity at the very least.

There will be lots of goals in this game as the players will want to give their all on the field of play.

I expect the Ivorians to clinch this one as they are more tactically disciplined than the Ghanaians. The strength of their bench is much deeper than that of the Black Stars, too.

The Ghanaians will give their best in front of their home fans, and would not want to disappoint them for a second time, but I don’t think mere resolutions will be enough to save them.

Ghana 1 - 3 Ivory Coast