Ghana/Algeria: Defence Worries Black Stars Ahead of Algeria Clash

Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana scores the winning goal. He had returned to the side after a malaria scare to show his incredible strength and finishing ability, stunning Algeria.
22 January 2015
allAfrica.com
By Nick Said

Ghana are expected to welcome back striker Asamoah Gyan for their must-win African Nations Cup Group C clash with Algeria in Mongomo on Friday after the Black Stars captain declared himself fit for the fixture.

Gyan was missing from the 2-1 loss to Senegal last time out after spending Saturday night in hospital with what was described as a "mild bout of malaria".

But the player says he has put his medical issues behind him and is fighting fit to help Ghana get their Nations Cup quarter-final quest back on track.

"Rest assured, I feel good," Gyan told reporters. "I have had the necessary medical examinations and I am fit again. There is no reason why I cannot play in this game."

Gyan adds that the Black Stars players are highly motivated to get a win after seeing a point slip from their grasp in the dying seconds against Senegal.

"The group is aware of what needs to be done. It will certainly be a great game. These are two teams that play attacking football and both will try to win the three points. It will not be easy for us, but anything can happen. We must remain extremely focussed if we want to win."

While Gyan would add to the attacking threat of the side, it is their defence which caused Ghana most worry in the encounter with Senegal.

"As a team we didn't defend collectively and as individuals we take responsibility," centre-back Jonathan Mensah said, before adding they had no problem with coach Avram Grant's new 3-5-2 formation.

"We were comfortable playing that formation - we didn't feel any differences or challenges. We'll do anything that the coach wants us to do on the pitch."

Algeria are sweating on the fitness of Rafik Halliche for the second game running.

The defender was a doubtful in the run-up to their opener with South Africa, but played in the match, only to break down again this week.

He has a calf problem that won't go away and should he not be ready is likely to be replaced by the experienced Madjid Bougherra.

Their coach, Christian Gourcuff is confident his side can make it two wins from two.

"We saw Ghana play against Senegal and if that is how they are going to play, then we strongly believe we will win against them," he said.

"Football does not follow logic, but sometimes you play a team and you just know you will win.

"If we survived against South Africa, then certainly, we can make it against Ghana even though we are not going to underrate them."

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