Ghana head to Qatar for their fourth World Cup. After making three consecutive appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014, they would have been very disappointed to miss out on Russia 2018, but have made amends with a dominant display in the African Qualifiers and have rightly earned their place in this year’s competition.
Of course nobody will ever forget the heartbreak of 2010 where they lost to Uruguay in the quarter-finals after Luis Suarez’s handball to deny a clear last-minute winner deep into extra-time. Ghana went onto miss the penalty, resulting in match going to a penalty shootout, and the South American side coming out on top.
To Ghana’s delight, the pair have been drawn together in the group stage and it’s sure to be a feisty one. Here to preview their chances of success at the World Cup 2022 is Paddy Power football trader Mark Curley.
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Ghana World Cup 2022 qualifying record
Ghana will be one of five teams to represent Africa in this year’s tournament. Considered one of the toughest continents to qualify from, they first made it through their group of four, which featured South Africa as their main rival.
They ended up getting through this stage with a 1-0 final round win against South Africa, which tied up the points on top and it came down to goals scored. They then had the tough task of facing the ever consistent Nigeria in the playoffs, coming out on top with the benefit of the away goal rule. After 180 minutes of football, the tie was all square at 1-1, but Thomas Partey’s goal in the 18th minute ended up being enough for them to book their place on the plane to Qatar.
Who is the Ghana manager?
Heading into this World Cup, Otto Addo will certainly be a new name for many football fans around the world. Making 15 appearances for Ghana from 1999-2006, Addo was given the task of leading his country as an interim manager in February 2022 before their playoff match against Nigeria.
Coming out on top there, he will now manage Ghana in what is his first managerial role in any competition, for both club and country, so it’s hard to know what sort of expectation will be set for the 47 year old German-born Ghanaian.
Ghana World Cup squad
A squad full of current and ex-Premier League footballers, Ghana will be one of the nations getting attention from many spectators in Ireland and the UK. Over the past few months, they have done serious work on the recruitment front, gaining Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Mohammed Salisu (Southampton) and Tariq Lamptey (Brighton). They join the likes of Thomas Partey, the Ayew brothers and Mohammed Kudus.
Ghana will certainly not be shy on experience and have plenty of match winners present. In terms of a perfect formation, it’s hard to know for sure what Addo will decide on, but 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-3-1 seem to be leading options.
Ghana Key Player
Although not known for his goalscoring, Thomas Partey was the one to get the decisive goal in the African playoffs to grant Ghana their spot in this tournament. Ever present in a strong Arsenal squad this season, Partey is really starting to show what he has to offer and going into this competition, he will have a massive role in deciding how his country perform.
He’ll certainly be the first name on the team sheet for Addo this winter, and lining out in the key central defensive midfield position, Partey will have Ghana’s hopes resting on his shoulders.
Ghana One to Watch
At 22 years of age, Mohammed Kudas will be taking part in his first World Cup this winter. He’s already made 18 international appearances for Ghana, netting five goals, so he certainly doesn’t lack experience. Currently playing his football with Ajax, Kudas is becoming a well known name across Europe and for his lively play and goalscoring ability.
Kudas is sure to be coming into this competition red hot and will be an intriguing watch.
Ghana World Cup Prospects
At huge outsider odds, Ghana will be heading into this year’s renewal as not standing a chance. Although such a big price, they wouldn’t have lost all hope when seeing their group draw. Coming up against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea, Ghana will be prepared to put everything on the line and will be hoping to sneak through the group. Of course, the clash against Uruguay is going to an incredible watch, and if Ghana come out on top there, I think they’ll go home happy no matter what.
Ghana World Cup betting tips
Of course taking a glance at this group, you’d be fairly confident that Portugal and Uruguay will fancy their chances at an easy qualification, but Ghana certainly won’t be one to look over. It’s hard to say that any team in this group is guaranteed a win against any of their counterparts, so I feel a lot of these group matches will be coming down to a bit of luck and skill on the day.
Taking this all into account, Ghana really have a lot of experience in their squad this year and will have the players there to fight out tough results. GHANA TO QUALIFY FROM GROUP H
Ghana World Cup Winner Odds
Ghana World Cup 2022 Fixtures
November 24, 4pm: Portugal v Ghana (ITV)
November 28, 1pm: South Korea v Ghana (BBC)
December 2, 3pm: Ghana v Uruguay (BBC)
CLICK BELOW FOR TEAM PREVIEWS ON GHANA’S GROUP H RIVALS
- Portugal World Cup squad analysed
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*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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