On Friday night, Ghana hosts Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium in Group I of African qualifying for the World Cup.
Ghana form guideThe hosts head into this clash after back-to-back defeats against Mexico and USA. However, the double defeats came after Ghana had mounted a five-game unbeaten run, including three wins and two draws. The 4-0 loss to USA continued their recent run of high-scoring games, as three of their previous four matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
Despite their recent losses, Ghana has been a difficult team to defeat in World Cup qualifying, as they are unbeaten in their last six qualifiers, although three of their previous four games have produced draws.
Their recent games in qualifying have been tight and low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in nine of their previous ten games. They have also lost just one of their last 29 home games in qualifying.
Madagascar form guideThe visitors ended a poor run of international form last time out with a 2-1 home win over Benin. The victory ended a five-game winless run in all competitions for Madagascar. They have also struggled for goals lately, failing to score in four of their previous six matches.
Madagascar has a poor recent record in World Cup qualifying, winning just one of their previous nine qualifiers. The poor run includes five defeats in their last seven qualifiers while also conceding at least two goals in six of their previous nine games in qualifying.
They have also struggled to pick up results on their travels in qualifying, as they are currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak away from home, having conceded at least two goals in each loss.
What am I backing?Ghana may not have been in great form of late, but I believe they should have too much quality for the visitors.
