Ghana set for International friendly against African champions Algeria as preparations for 2021 AFCON qualifiers
The Black Stars are set to involve reigning African Champions Algeria in a friendly next month, according a source in Ghana Football Association.
Algeria defeated Senegal in the 2019 AFCON final in Egypt to emerge as the reigning African champions and are now set to face Ghana in their next International duty.
International football has resumed in Europe and Africa are set to follow suit with many African countries planning engagement in International friendlies.
Ghana is no exception with a friendly scheduled against the Desert Foxes of Algeria next month in Turkey according reports from the GFA though no official confirmation has been released.
GAF Executive Council member George Amoako broke the news in his interview with Kumasi based Radio Station Fox FM.
The game which would be C.K Akonnor’s first full assignment since being appointed as Black Stars coach has been scheduled on next month’s FIFA-approved international break.
The Black Stars manager missed the chance to manage his first game in Ghana’s dugout when the coronavirus pandemic influenced cancellation of the 2021 AFCON qualifiers double-header against Sudan in March.
Africa Cup of Nations for 2021 edition starts in January 2020 due to postponement from the coronavirus pandemic ,and Amoako reveals the clash against Algeria in Turkey is the beginning of Ghana’s preparations for the tournament’s qualifiers- that restarts November this year.
It’s understood that, the Black Stars could have played European nation however, fixtures on UEFA Nations League calendar prevents Akonnor’s side for clashing with top countries in Europe.
Ghana have not lifted the AFCON title in more than 30 years and have started the next edition’s qualifiers on perfect note.
Drawn in Group C, Ghana opened their qualifying campaign with a fine 2-0 home triumph over South Africa November 2019.
Then there was a 1-0 away victory over Sao Tome and Principe four days later, taking the West Africans to the top of the table.
The last time the two teams met Ghana emerged victors after beating Algeria 1-0 at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 thanks to a cracking late goal from legend Asamoah Gyan.
Ghana have made a little changes to Stars’ leadership retaining Andre Ayew as captain with Thomas Partey and Richard Ofori as deputies.
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