Both countries looking to commence their World Cup campaigns on a positive note, Ghana and Panama clash at Toronto Stadium tonight in Group L.
The Black Stars have struggled through a pile of friendly fixtures ahead of their opening match in Canada, whilst Los Canaleros have shown signs of considerable progression.
Not too long ago, Ghanaian football was rocked after their beloved national side failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in two decades, however, all will be forgotten if they can enjoy a productive summer in North America.
The Black Stars comfortably secured their spot at the World Cup with eight draws, one draw and just the single defeat in CAF qualifying, finishing as winners of Group I, six points ahead of second-placed Madagascar.
Exit Otto Addo
Since their concluding qualification match – a narrow success over Comoros in Accra on October 12 – Ghana have parted ways with former head coach Otto Addo after a string of worrying results.
In fact, the Black Stars are in the midst of a seven-game winless run (D1 L6) heading into Thursday’s opener at Toronto Stadium, suffering defeats to Austria (5-1), Germany (2-1) and Mexico (2-0) this year.
Managing at consecutive World Cup finals after taking the reins of Iran at Qatar 2022, Ghana leader Carlos Queiroz has coached nine different international teams since first taking the gig at Portugal in August 1990.
Panama
During their World Cup debut on the Russian stage in 2018, Panama were arguably the minnows of the 32-team competition, losing three group-stage matches to England, Belgium and Tunisia before booking an early flight home.
This time around, Los Canaleros are looking to advance into the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history, with the best third-placed route providing genuine hope for the Group L underdogs.
Panama were the big boys of CONCACAF qualifying during the latest cycle with the United States, Mexico and Canada sitting out as Thomas Christiansen‘s side went six matches unbeaten (W3 D3) during the second round to book a spot at this summer’s football festival.
Thomas Partey
Ghana are without the services of midfielder Thomas Partey after he was denied a World Cup visa by the Canadian government.
The former Arsenal enforcer will remain at the Black Stars’ training base in Boston before likely returning to the starting XI for the matches against England and Croatia.
Apart from Partey, Ghana have a full squad to select from, with veteran captain Jordan Ayew expected to get the nod at the top of the pitch.
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati-Zigi; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Owusu, Yirenkyi, Nuamah, Boakye, Semenyo; Ayew
Panama possible starting lineup:
Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Godoy, Harvey, Davis; Rodriguez, Diaz, Fajardo
Prediction
After a stuttering run of friendly results, Ghana need to find their feet quickly at this World Cup, with England and Croatia to come next week.
The Black Stars are the favourites for this match on paper, however, we expect Panama to produce a gritty performance worthy of a point.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
