Why Mali could be more crucial to Ghana’s Afcon 2017 hopes

The Eagles have beaten the Black Stars in their last two third-place outings and could be set to play another spoiler in Gabon

All the talk leading to Ghana ’s opening game at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations has been centred around the difficulty posed by Egypt and Uganda, two teams that they have faced in recent World Cup qualifying matches picking a single point.

However, many Black Stars fans have overlooked the threat of West African neighbours Mali ahead of their second game in Group D in Port Gentil on January 21.

Ghana will open their campaign against Uganda on Tuesday in what has become a familiar fixture after they both clashed in October. The Cranes are making their return to the competition since losing in the final match to Ghana in 1978. Their resurgence saw them hold the Black Stars to a goalless draw in Tamale. Hence, coach Avram Grant and his team know what to expect from this history-making Cranes side who have Milutin Sredojevic in charge. The Serbian has been taunting his opponents and claims he knows them well enough to trouble them on Tuesday.

A draw in their opening game would be acceptable but when Mali is your next opponent, then the Stars have to be careful how they start the competition.

Source: Goal. com

Contributer : Local Reports http://ift.tt/2jqR5cd