The Black Stars of Ghana begin their qualifying campaign for the the 2022 Qatar World Cup tournament this evening when they play Ethiopia at the Cape Coast Stadium.

After impressing hugely in the first two outings at the World Cup, including a quarter-final finish in the South Africa edition, the Black Stars were abysmal at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and disappointingly failed to qualify for the showpiece in Russia in 2018.

The Stars will certainly want to avoid a repetition of the 2018 failure and thus will be hoping to book their place in Qatar next year.

The first target however is to ensure that they get off to a winning start as they play Ethiopia in Cape Coast this evening.

FMIG takes a look at the expected XI for the game.

FMIG expected Ghana XI for Ethiopia clash

Goalkeeper 

We expect Orlando Pirates shot stopper Richard Ofori to be in post for tonight’s encounter, having been arguably the best goalkeeper for the Stars in recent months.

Defence

Jonathan Mensah’s return to the Black Stars is certainly an added boost to the squad and it will be no surprise to see him slot right into the team.

Mensah’s arrival could probably trigger a change in formation for the Stars, switching from a back four to a back three.

The Columbus Crew defender could be at the heart of the back three, flanked by new Reading signing Baba Rahman and Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey on the left and right hand side of the defence respectively.

Midfield 

In midfield, CK Akonnor is expected to go with a double pivot to shield the defence.

Mubarak Wakaso of Shenzhen FC and Baba Iddrisu of Real Mallorca are expected to fill those roles.

Rennes new boy Kamaldeen Suleman and Steadfast FC player Abdul Fatawu Issahaku are expected to play right wingback and left wing back respectively.

Unlike the other midfielders, Anderletcht midfielder Majeed Ashmeru is expected to be more advanced and could be charged with the responsibility of linking play between the midfield and the attack.

Forwards

In the attacking third, brother Andre and Jordan Ayew are expected to spearhead the attack of the Stars.

Dede and Jordan’s ability to play on the flanks means they could go wide and open some space in the middle for Majeed to occupy.

The expected lineup (3-5-2): 

Richard Ofori; Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Amartey; Mubarak Wakaso, Baba Iddrisu, Kamaldeen Suleman, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Majeed Ashmeru; Dede Ayew, Jordan Ayew