It’s like magic – the tremendous difference one man can make to a team. Such is the analogy that describes Asamoah Gyan’s return to Ghana’s line up.
In Ghana’s opening game against Senegal, the Black Stars’ lack of quality upfront was more than apparent. After going ahead through Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew’s opener, the four-time African champions were unable to extend and secure their lead in the game. After Senegal’s equalizer, they looked quite comfortable with the idea of playing out the game for a 1-1 draw and a solitary point.
It was not to be, however, as the Lions of Teranga were able to squeeze in a last gasp winner. Might things have been different with Gyan leading the line? Could they have outscored their opponents?
One has to feel so. Immediately Gyan overcame his malaria and returned for Ghana’s match against Algeria, the best-ranked team in Africa, the former Sunderland man’s match-winning performance for the Black Stars was enough to get them an invaluable three points. With a full-strength squad that includes their talisman Gyan now, every Black Stars fan will expect their team to put in a performance that will be enough to win all three points against South Africa.
Bafana Bafana, however, are no push-overs. Despite the demeaning score line they recorded in against Algeria in their opening game, the South Africans were on the front foot for much of the encounter and can only blame themselves for not having been able to win the game. Their subsequent 1-1 draw against Senegal was not a bad result for them either.
On Tuesday, they will certainly give Ghana a run for their money.
South Africa Starting 11: 1-Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), 6-Anele Ngcongca, 11-Thabo Matlaba, 2-Rivaldo Coetzee, 3-Eric Mathoho, 15-Dean Furman (C), 5-Andile Jali, 7-Mandla Masango, 18-Thuso Phala, 23-Tokelo Rantie, 9-Bongani Ndulula
Ghana Starting 11: Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Abdul Rahman, Daniel Amartey, Jonathan Mensah, Afriyie Acquah, Mubarak Wakaso, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu, Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
