Nicaragua will warm up for the resumption of their CONCACAF Nations League campaign with a friendly against Ghana at the Estadio Francisco Artes Carrasco. The kick-off time of the clash is TBD.
Ghana will be looking to bolster their form and match-fitness levels ahead of the start of the World Cup in Qatar, with their first match coming against Portugal on 24th November.
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Can Nicaragua Extend their Winning Run by Beating Ghana?
After two back-to-back wins in the CONCACAF Nations League, Henry Duarte will be looking to bolster his side’s confidence, performance levels, and dynamism in the friendly clash with the Black Stars of Ghana.
Duarte will focus on the tactical dynamism of the team, especially in establishing a balance between defense and attack. This will be crucial not only for the clash with Ghana but will stand them in good stead for the resumption of the CONCACAF Nations League campaign.
Duarte will also assess some players he is integrating into the national team setup as he seeks to improve the performance and intensity of his team.
Can Ghana get the Best Preparation for the World Cup with a Victory over Ghana?
The focus of Otto Addo and his Ghanaian side is on the World Cup, with the opening match against Portugal on 24th November. Preparation for the massive event in Qatar is underway, and the clash with Nicaragua is a part of this process.
Otto Addo will focus on integrating the Black Stars, working on team dynamics, patterns of play, shape, and discipline.
Against Nicaragua, Ghana will face dynamic and technically good opponents that will give them a real test. Otto Addo seeks to examine how his side will react when put under pressure.
Form Guide
Nicaragua
Henry Duarte have been in the CONCACAF Nations League campaign over the last four competitive outings.
They opened the campaign with a 2-1 triumph at home to Trinidad and Tobago. They followed this result up with a 2-2 draw away to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Nicaragua responded to the two dropped points with a 2-0 win away to the Bahamas. In their last outing in the competition, they comprehensively beat Bahamas 4-0 at home.
Henry Duarte will use his side’s fixture against Ghana to prepare for the resumption of the CONCACAF Nations League competition early next year.
Ghana
The Black Stars have won just once over their last four competitive outings. Otto Addo will be looking to bolster the form and team dynamics of his side in the clash with Nicaragua.
In the Africa Cup of Nation qualification process; Ghana have played two Group E matches. In their opening group fixture, Otto Addo’s side beat Madagascar comprehensively in a 3-0 triumph. In their second match, they were held to a 1-1 draw away from the Central African Republic.
Ghana have also played two matches in the Kirin Cup; they lost the Semi-Final 4-1 to the hosts Japan before holding Chile to a 0-0 draw and prevailing 3-1 on penalties in the 3rd-place match.
Possible Starting Lineups
Nicaragua
Lorente; M. Rosas, L. Copete, C. Montenegro, J. Quijano; R. Punyed, M. Lopez; F. Flores, B. Bonilla, J. Barrera; J. Betancur
Ghana
M. Nurudeen; B. Rahman, D. Amartey, E. Addo, A. Seidu; W. Mubarak; F. Afena-Gyan, M. Kudus, A. Ayew, A. F. Issahaku; B. Tetteh
Players to Watch
J. Betancur
The 30-year-old attacker brings experience to the Nicaragua attack and the team as a whole.
The Managua forward is an asset for the Nicaraguan national team because of his goals, physicality, and dynamic attacking play.
He links up well with other attackers, and he poses a massive aerial threat from crosses whipped into the box by wingers.
Betancur will be a crucial player for Nicaragua in the clash with Ghana.
B. Tetteh
The 25-year-old striker that plays for Hull City is an important asset for the Black Stars.
His experience at the top level is crucial in helping the Ghanaian attack with intricate link-up play, injecting pace into the attacking play, and adding creative movement and runs for midfielders to target with their passing.
Tetteh will be important for the Black Stars when they face Nicaragua.
Prediction
Nicaragua will seek to play from the back, dominate possession, and force Ghana back into their half.
Ghana will respond by pressing aggressively across the pitch and seeking to keep possession in dangerous areas.
This match will end in a draw given the form and quality of these sides.
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