The Black Stars of Ghana have their destiny in their own hands on Friday, December 2, when they face Uruguay at the Al Janoub Stadium in a 2022 FIFA World Cup Group H game.
The encounter promises to be intriguing considering the history behind their last meetings. On July 2, 2010, in a World Cup quarter finals game at the FNB Stadium in South Africa, Luis Suarez deliberately scooped a late extra time header from Dominic Adiyiah from the net. Striker Asamoah Gyan crushed the resultant spot kick off the bar as the South Americans went on to win the game 4-2 on penalties.
Since then, there has been a sense of acrimony within Ghana, and Africa as a whole. People feel this is the right time to seek revenge against Suarez and his country. The South Americans are bottom in Group H with one point, no goal scored and a deficit of two goals after two games. The Black Stars, on the other hand, are second having lost 3-2 to Portugal in their opener and defeating South Korea by the same margin.
A win will automatically grant Ghana the other ticket from the Group whereas a draw is also good enough, provided South Korea does not bury already qualified Portugal by an avalanche of goals.
Ghana coach Otto Addo admitted that Uruguay is a good side and the Black Stars have to be at their best to get the needed results.
"They have very good strikers, lots of experience and they are a very compact, very good team,” he said.
"Every game will be on edge and we have to be at our best to beat them.”
Diego Alonso, the coach of Uruguay, is aware that only a win for his side, and a win or draw for Portugal in the other game, could give his team the qualification ticket.
He maintains that they are going to open fire on Ghana to get the needed results.
"We’re going to use all the weapons at our disposal,” Alonso said.
"We have to let ourselves go. The team has to be relaxed and play.”
Coaches and tactics
Otto Addo, Ghana
The German trained tactician used 5:4:1 against Portugal and changed to 4:3:3 in the 3-2 win over South Korea.
Addo is likely to go with the attacking formation of 4:3:3 though there could be changes in the lineup. Tariq Lamptey could possibly make way for Alidu Seidu whereas Inaki Williams might start from the bench. Andre Ayew can be pushed to a central striking role with the speedy Osman Bukari coming in to exploit the lack of pace of 35 year-old Martin Caceres.
Thomas Partey has been silent in the competition and he has to up his game if Ghana are to seize the midfield.
Diego Alonso, Uruguay
With elimination already staring at their faces, Alonso will go with a 4:3:3 formation with his front three being Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Darwin Nunez as he seeks for goals.
Lucas Torreira could also replace Vecino in the defensive midfield role which will enable Valverde and Bentacur to move up and feed the attacking trio.
Players to watch
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
The Ajax star has been superb for Ghana – with two goals and one assist in two games.
Kudus is the most dangerous player in the Black Stars team now and lots will depend on him if the Black Stars are to defeat Uruguay on Friday.
Andre Ayew
He is the skipper of the Ghana team and the only survivor of the 2010 World Cup squad. Ayew did not feature against Uruguay 12 years ago as he was serving suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
The experience of Ayew, his knack for scoring in big games and his leadership will be very useful for the Black Stars as they seek revenge against Uruguay.
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
He did not start in the 2-0 defeat to Portugal but is likely to be in the starting lineup against Ghana.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona star is the most prolific attacker in his team; boasting 68 goals in 138 national team games.
He will be very instrumental if his side are to get the win they crave.
Federico Valverde (Uruguay)
A tenacious central midfielder who can also play as a right back, right winger and an attacking midfielder, due to his versatility.
The Real Madrid star is the engine of the Uruguayan team. He will play a key role in the heart of midfield.