Ghana will look to redeem themselves at the World Cup after enduring a disappointing AFCON campaign last year. For the first time since 2006, the Black Stars were eliminated from the AFCON group stages. They appeared in the tournament’s semi-finals six times in a row between 2008 and 2017, setting a record. Despite their AFCON difficulties, Ghana managed to reach the World Cup qualifying round. In the second round of qualification, they won Group G, defeating South Africa, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe to take the first position. This set up a third-round play-off match against Group C winners and bitter rivals Nigeria for a place in Qatar.
In the most dramatic of circumstances, they also defeated the Super Eagles. Thomas Partey of Arsenal scored the key away goal for Ghana in the first 10 minutes following a scoreless first home leg. William Troost-Ekong of Nigeria quickly equalized from the penalty spot, while VAR disallowed Victor Osimhen’s second goal for offside. Ghana managed to hold on for a draw despite the dangers and qualified for the 2022 World Cup on away goals. Chris Hughton, a former manager of Newcastle and Brighton, served as the Black Stars’ technical advisor during their March World Cup qualifiers.
After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, they are playing in this year’s tournament for the first time since 2014. After making their debut in 2006 and reaching the round of 16, they will be competing in their fourth World Cup. In 2010, Ghana participated in the quarterfinals, becoming just the third African country to go to the World Cup’s final eight. After missing their own spot attempt in extra time after Luis Suarez was dismissed for a deliberate handball to prevent Ghana from scoring the game-winning goal, they were eliminated from the competition by Uruguay on penalties. Otto Addo, the new coach and former Ghanaian international who oversaw the playoff victory, will be in charge of the Black Stars.
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