Black Stars vrs USA : International Friendly 18th October, 2023
The Black Stars will come up against the Yanks in the early hours of Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Geodis Park in Nashville
Hughton’s side will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing 2-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Mexico last Sunday.
The USA too are aiming to give their home fans something to smile about after losing 3-1 to Germany a few days ago.
This means both sides are likely to field strong teams, with Hughton expected to ring the changes in his starting line-up.
The 64-year-old named an experimental side, especially in defence, where three of his senior centre-backs – Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey and Joseph Aidoo – are currently injured.
And while there’s not much Hughton can do about his lack of options at the back, he could tweak a few things in midfield and in attack.
Lawrence Ati Zigi is expected to keep his place in between the sticks, while Alidu Seidu is likely to start at right-back.
Medeama’s Abdul Fatawu Hamidu joined the team’s camp on Monday and could start at the left-back position, with Stephan Ambrosius expected to partner Nicholas Opoku at centre-back following Aidoo’s late withdrawal due to injury.
Thomas Partey is in contention to start once again, while Abdul Salis Samed could replace Elisha Owusu in the middle of the park.
Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew could also be handed starts on the flanks, with Mohammed Kudus deployed in the hole.
In attack, Inaki Williams looked likely to start in place of Antoine Semenyo, who had the nod against Mexico last Sunday.
Lawrence Ati Zigi
Alidu Seidu
Abdul Fatawu Hamidu
Stephan Ambrosius
Nicholas Opoku
Thomas Partey
Abdul Salis Samed
Ernest Nuamah
Jordan Ayew
Mohammed Kudus
Inaki Williams
Black Stars Not Creating Chances For Inaki Williams To Score Says Chris Hughton
Williams switched nationality from Spain to play for Ghana last year and went on to feature at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The 29-year-old has played eight games for Ghana so far without getting on the score sheet, drawing his latest blank against Mexico last Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the Black Stars’ upcoming friendly against the USA on Wednesday, Hughton said the lack of service was the reason for Williams’ struggles in front of goal.
“We haven’t been able to provide him [Inaki Williams] with that type of service,” the Black Stars boss said, as quoted by Luv FM.
“We need to find the right formulas to create chances for him and up until this moment, we haven’t been able to do that.”
Meanwhile, Hughton has called on his players to step up against the USA following their loss to Mexico three days ago.
“It is exactly the same message for the players. What we don’t want is to leave this international camp with two poor results.
“The result of that is always you are looking for a reaction from the team in the second game [USA],” he added.
