Group L · Match 21Full time
- C. Yirenkyi 16'
- C. Yirenkyi 90'+5'
- C. Blackman 72'
- C. Harvey 90'+9'
Ghana
Group LFIFA ranking #47CAFGHA
5th appearance · Quarter-finalists 2010
Profile
The Black Stars topped their African qualifying group with competitive performances to reach a fifth World Cup, where they remain one of Africa's most anticipated teams for the drama they inevitably generate. They were a Luis Suárez handball and Asamoah Gyan penalty miss away from the 2010 semi-finals — the nearest any African team has come to the last four. Mohammed Kudus has become one of the Premier League's most exciting attacking players at Tottenham Hotspur, capable of the unexpected at any moment. Thomas Partey provides Champions League and La Liga experience in midfield from his Villarreal years. Antoine Semenyo has made Bournemouth's attack one of the Premier League's most dynamic. Group L's England opener is effectively a home game for Kudus — Tottenham and Premier League familiarity — and Ghana's explosive attacking quality means they should compete for one of the two qualification spots alongside Croatia and Panama.
Ghana fixtures
Group L · Match 45Full time
- D. Rice 41'
- I. Williams 60'
Group L · Match 68Full time
- P. Sucic 31'
- I. Perisic 68'
- N. Vlasic 83'
- D. Luckassen 73'
- K. Oppong 90'+4'
Round of 32 · Match 88Full time
- J. Arias 12'
- J. Arias 14'
- R. Ríos 78'
- C. Yirenkyi 49'
- F. Issahaku 66'
- A. Seidu 76'
Players to watch
Mohammed Kudus
Forward · Tottenham Hotspur
One of the Premier League's most exciting attacking players, Kudus combines explosive pace, close control and a remarkable ability to score from virtually anywhere. His Premier League seasons at West Ham and Tottenham have established him as a match-winner who can operate as a winger, second striker or advanced midfielder with equal effectiveness.
Thomas Partey
Midfielder · Villarreal
Ghana's most experienced European midfield performer, Partey has played Champions League football across multiple seasons for Arsenal and had a successful career at Atlético Madrid before Villarreal. His physicality, passing quality and ability to dominate central areas give Ghana a genuine Premier League-quality midfield foundation to build their attacking talents on.
Antoine Semenyo
Forward · Bournemouth
One of the Premier League's most exciting wide forwards, Semenyo has become a key performer for Bournemouth with his pace, direct running and consistent goalscoring output. His ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, cut inside onto his stronger foot and deliver in crucial moments makes him one of Ghana's most dangerous and consistent attacking threats.