The Black Stars of Ghana have their destiny in their own hands on Sunday evening as any form of win against the Bafana Bafana will secure them a place in the next phase of the world cup qualifiers.
Ghana currently has 10 points where as South Africa have 13 but any form of win guarantees the four-time Africa champions the ticket to the final knockout stage of the world cup qualifiers as they will have better goal difference.
Until seventeen years ago that Ghana started to dominate South Africa in terms of football, the “Rainbow” had constantly been a torn in the flesh of the West African country with wins in competitive games 1996, 2000, 2002 and a couple of friendly games. The mere mention of Bafana Bafana sent shivers down the spines of Ghanaian football fans.
The current South Africa team has been revived by willy Belgian gaffer Hugo Broos and although he stated from day one that his target is to build a team for the 2024 AFCON, it is evident that he has one eye on qualifying for the world cup though it may not be a major priority.
Ghana on the other hand have not fared badly since the appointment of veteran Serbian tactician Milovan Rajevac last month and the game today will perhaps be his greatest test in his second coming.
Despite drawing 1-1 with Ethiopia last Monday, the Black Stars were outplayed and they have to lift up their game against a South African team which has better coach and well equipped players.
One man who will be vital for South Africa in this game will be Al Ahly attacker Percy Tau. On any good day, he can either score or deliver the killer pass to send the Black Stars to sleep and it will be prudent that the Black Stars defenders keep a close eye on him.
The Black Stars will count on the mercurial Andre Ayew who has showed that he is the man for big occasions. The All Sadd attacking midfielder has been in good form and the fabulous free kick he netted against Ethiopia shows his versatility. Lots will depend on him if Ghana should get the needed win.
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac is expected to make at least three changes to the squad which drew against Ethiopia with Richmond Boakye, Joseph Aidoo and Baba Iddrisu all expected to start from the bench.
With home advantage Ghana is certain to beat South Africa and all they must due is to eschew complacency in the encounter.
