How will Ghana fare at the 2022 World Cup? Join @SamRCox_ as he looks at La Albiceleste in his everything you need to know guide ahead of this winter's competition...
Ghana History at the World Cup
The Qatar World Cup is Ghana’s fourth appearance in the competition.
They failed to qualify in 2018, marking an end of three consecutive tournament appearances from 2006 through to 2014, which included a last 16 appearance in Germany, followed by a quarter-final run in South Africa.
GHANA ELIMINATE NIGERIA.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 29, 2022
THEY ARE THE FIRST AFRICAN COUNTRY TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP. 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/NQfGQ0XjFM
Unfortunately, those successes were not replicated in Brazil, as they fell at the group stage after taking one point from three matches against Germany, Portugal and the USA.
Overall, Ghana have won four of their 12 World Cup fixtures, with their most recent win coming in extra time against the United States in 2010, which was followed by a wildly controversial defeat to Uruguay on penalties.
They topped their qualifying group for the tournament in Qatar, claiming 13 points from six matches to edge out South Africa for first place. In the following round, they secured a place at the World Cup by an away goals win over Nigeria.
Ghana Nickname
Those familiar with the Ghanian flag can probably work out why they are called The Black Stars.
The black star in the centre of the Ghanian flag is a symbol of anti-colonialism, and is a counter to the White Star Line, showing ownership by black people rather than white.
World Cup 2022 Group
Any draw was going to represent a challenge for Ghana. Never expected to do much by World Cup predictions, the Black Stars got an easier draw than they could have done.
Their competition starts with the toughest test of the lot, however, as they matchup with Portugal before a more winnable match with South Korea.
Ghana Fixtures:
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Ghana vs Portugal – 24th November 2022
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Ghana vs South Korea – 28th November 2022
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Ghana vs Uruguay – 2nd December 2022
Ghana Kit World Cup 2022
Without being overly critical, Ghana might have the two worst kits at the World Cup. The home is bland with very minor touches of colour, and the red-based away is puzzling.
Ghana home kit! 😍 pic.twitter.com/iFEGKoDL1A
— Malik Ofori (@malikofori) May 31, 2022
Buy the away kit without a number and people will be wondering what that box on your chest is about.
Who Is The Ghana Manager?
Former Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Otto Addo is the current Ghana manager. Addo is charged with causing a few football tips surprises in Qatar.
Having previously been a scout with Ghana, Addo was working as a ‘talent coach’ with Dortmund when he took over as the Black Stars’ head coach in early 2022.
Best Ghana Player
Ghana have a lot of players known around Europe. With his early-season form, Thomas Partey is probably their best player heading into the tournament, but they will also rely on the performances of Andre Ayew and Inaki Williams.
Ayew will break the record for the most Ghana caps this winter – he’s currently tied with former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan.
Andre Ayew. That is all. pic.twitter.com/OrO1h992lU
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) April 26, 2021
Ghana Odds at 2022 World Cup
Ghana are World Cup betting outsiders in Group H at 10/1 to top the section. They are, curiously, also 10/1 to reach the quarter-finals, with only five teams at a longer price.
Starting off against Portugal, Ghana are 6/1 underdogs, and they are even out at 2/1 to beat South Korea.
Bet on Ghana at the 2022 World Cup with 888sport today!