Heading into this summer’s World Cup, West African powerhouses Ghana and Senegal both share bitter disappointments from recent AFCON campaigns.
Here we take a look at why there are reasons for optimism for both sides.
Ghana – Semenyo’s moment?
The Black Stars’ disappointing AFCON qualifying campaign left many fans are doubting the team ahead of the World Cup. Carlos Queiroz’s appointment just two months ahead of the tournament has been questioned heavily, but the Portuguese head coach has international pedigree having managed Iran at the last three World Cups.
Ghana’s frontline is heaving with talent, despite missing injured talisman Mohammed Kudus. Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo will be the focal point of the attack and Kamaldeen Sulemana likely to support him out wide, with captain Jordan Ayew likely to lead the line. Athletic Club’s striker Inaki Williams and Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu are both available for selection.
Despite having injuries in the midfield, with Abu Francis nursing an injury that kept him out of recent friendlies, vice-captain Thomas Partey should be available to shield the defence, which could feature former Brighton and Hove Albion wingback Tariq Lamptey. Due to Mohammed Salisu’s knee injury, he will not be available at centre back, meaning he will be replaced by Spartak Moscow man Alexander Djiku.
Ghana will be facing Thomas Tuchel’s England, Panama who were undefeated in World Cup qualifying and Croatia, led by 2018 Ballon D’or winner Luka Modric, in the group stage.
Nearly 2,000 miles away, Senegal will also be hoping to make waves going into this summer. Coming off the back of AFCON finals heartbreak, the team will be hoping to replenish their trophy cabinet, having previously won AFCON in 2021.
Senegal – Mane’s last stand?
Senegal will face 2018 World Cup winners France, an Erling Haaland-led Norway, and Iraq, who defeated Bolivia in the qualifying playoff tournament.
Pape Thiaw’s Lions of Teranga are coming into the tournament with a mixture of experience and youth. Former Champions League and Premier League winner Sadio Mane will play an important role off the left, with PSG’s 18 year old Ibrahim Mbaye having a chance to deputise in his debut tournament following a successful league campaign.
While the attack has great depth with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr being dynamic options on the bench, the midfield also has great balance with Senegal’s record cap holder and current Everton midfielder, 36-year-old Idrissa Gana Gueye starting with 27-year-old Pape Gueye and Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
The defence is propped up with another former Champions League winner Edouard Mendy and AFCON winner Kalidou Koulibaly, both of whom played together at Chelsea and are now plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League.
Despite leaning heavily on an ageing golden generation, the Senegal squad looks primed for success at the World Cup. If Thiaw can combine the existing experience with up-and-coming players, the Lions of Teranga could progress through their group and beyond.
An injury-stricken Ghana team could still defy the odds with Queiroz’s defensive organisation and the raw talent of their attacking options. For both Ghana and Senegal, this tournament isn’t about making up the numbers, but making a name for themselves.