Preview: Ghana vs. South Africa - prediction, team news, lineups

With just 90 minutes separating both sides from a place in the next round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Ghana and South Africa lock horns at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The hosts trail their visitors heading into the contest and will need to claim all three points to stand any chance of progressing.

Match preview

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Ghana's hope of qualifying was dealt a huge blow following a 1-1 stalemate versus the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday.

Milovan Rajevac's men took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Andre Ayew, but they were pegged back by Getaneh Kebede in the 72nd minute.

The Black Stars are second in Group G at the moment, three points adrift of current leaders South Africa ahead of this weekend's clash.

Looking to exact revenge for September's 1-0 defeat, the West Africans return to their home turf where they have not lost since 2019.

South Africa secured a vital 1-0 win at the First National Bank Stadium on Thursday when they saw off the threat of Zimbabwe.

Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 26th minute, and that was enough to hand Hugo Broos's men all three points in Johannesburg.

After an opening-day draw, the Bafana Bafana have won four straight games and currently lead the way in Group G heading into the final matchday.

Sunday's visitors have only conceded one goal in that time and that defensive solidity could prove to be the difference between victory and defeat this weekend.

Team News

Bongokuhle Hlongwane grabbed the winning goal in the last edition of this fixture and the 28-year-old will be looking to come up trumps once again.

Off the back of a solid display at the back last time out, we expect Broos to name the same defensive unit of Terrence Mashego, Rushine De Reuck, Njabulo Ngcobo and Nyiko Mobbie.

Andre Ayew's opener versus Ethiopia was his 20th goal for Ghana, moving him joint fifth in the all-time scoring chart.

Ayew is also closing in on 100 appearances for the home side as he aims to become only the second player in history to achieve this feat.

Ghana possible starting lineup:
Wollacott; Baba, Amartey, Aidoo, Yiadom; Sulemana, Mohammed, Kudus, Ayew; Boakye, Ayew

South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mashego, De Reuck, Ngcobo, Mobbie; Mokoena, Phete, Tau; Hlongwane, Dolly, Makgopa

We say: Ghana 2-1 South Africa

With so much to play for, we expect both teams to be up for it which should make for an absorbing affair. We are also backing Ghana to get the job done at the sound of the full-time whistle.

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