The Black Stars are firm favorites to beat underdogs Namibia at Ohene Djan Stadium in the Group A encounter. A win for Ghana will put them in pole position to reach the tournament's quarter-finals after their 2-1 opening game victory over Guinea. On the other hand, it's make-or-break for the Namibians, who could well be the first team to get the axe. The Brave Warriors proved they are the number one outsiders of the competition so far with a dismal display against Morocco in the 5-1 thrashing. However, this time they are expecting to have some key players back from suspension, but it won't be any easier against the hosts. Ghana "With Namibia it's going to be a difficult game - we know that, they're a very good side, if they weren't they wouldn't be here " said Ghana coach Claude LeRoy. Team News: LeRoy may be facing some problems in defense as John Pantsil is a major doubt after he suffered from concussion against Guinea. Skipper John Mensah also has a thigh strain and is slightly doubtful, in addition to center-half Illiasu Shilla, who is still unavailable with an ankle injury. Striker Asamoah Gyan is also struggling to be fit. Strength: The home support in Accra Stadium should drive the Black Stars just like what happened against Guinea in the first game. Weakness: Apart from the injury crisis, the Black Stars' performance was fairly unconvincing against Guinea, they often looked vulnerable in defense. Probable Line-up: Kingson- Sarpei, Afful, Addo, Mensah- Essien, Kingston, Muntari, Quincy- Agogo, Gyan. Namibia "You know in football, there's always one game where everything goes wrong and hopefully for us, it was the Morocco game, the last game was a very good experience for the players. They know what international level means," coach Arie Schans said. Team News: The Brave Warriors are boosted by the return of key trio Hartman Toromba, Sidney Plaatjies and Gottlieb Nakuta, following their one-match suspension.
Unfortunate Alloudi is out injured Strength: The return of three key defenders could be a major asset for the Namibians, who are looking to regroup their backline after the Morocco defeat. Weakness: The defeat against Morocco was demoralizing for Schans' men, and this time pressure is upon them to prove they are no pushovers in this group. Probable Line-up: Abisai- Pienaar, Toromba, Plaatjies, Nakuta- Jacobs, Benjamin, Brendell, Risser, Ngatjizeko- Bester, Kaimbi. Morocco eyeing quarter-finals against Guinea In the other group match, Morocco will hope to replicate their rampant performance against Namibia last week, when they take on Guinea. It's probably the last chance for the Guineans, who were Black Horse during CAN 2006, winning all group stage games impressively. Morocco "Guinea are a quality side, but it's a game we're going out to win as that will mean our ticket to the quarter-finals," Henri Michel said. Team News: The Atlas Lions will dearly miss their man of the moment Soufiane Alloudi, who suffered a knee injury against Namibia during the 5-1 drubbing, in which he netted a hat-trick. Moncef Zerka or Youssef Mokhtari could be recalled to replace the injured Al-Ain striker, who is already top scorer of the competition so far. Probable Line-up: Fouhami- Basser, Kaddouri, Ouaddou, Erbati- Kabous, Safri, Sektioui, Hadji- Chamakh, Zerka. Guinea "I've got to get the confidence back in the side, that loss can't stay in their minds. I'm still optimistic, because we can't play that badly again," coach Robert Nouzaret. Team News: The Syli Nationale have no injury concerns when they meet the Moroccans. Nouzaret will d
