Champions clash
A photo montage of Cameroon’s forward Stephane Bahoken (left) and Ghana’s Andre Ayew.
Fortebet Odds
Cameroon vs Ghana
2.86 2.94 2.89
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CAIRO. Cameroon and Ghana have, between themselves, won the Africa Cup of Nations title nine times.
The two West Africa soccer powerhouses meet at Ismailia Stadium today in what has been billed the clash of champions.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, also reigning African champions, are chasing their sixth title.
They opened with a convincing 2-0 win over Guinea- Bissau while Ghana Black Stars were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw against Benin. Both Group F matches were played on Tuesday.
The Indomitable Lions, coached by the Dutch duo of Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert, both know they have had not the best of preparations with the players demanding bonuses.
But the duo were delighted all that was put behind them with a win. Goals by Yaya Banana and Stephane Bahoken have put them in strong position to control their destiny.
Seedorf was also encouraged by the clean sheet despite goalkeeper Andre Onana despite not being at his best. The teenager has been in great form for his club Ajax.
The Ayew brothers factor
Black Stars were denied victory by a Benin side they have beaten on four previous occasions in six meeting and now have to raise their games against the formidable defending champions who have beaten them in the last two Afcon meetings.
The most recent meeting between these nations came in the semi- finals in 2017 when the Indomitable Lions won 2-0 and went on to beat Egypt 2-1 in the final.
Black Stars coach John Kwesi Appiah will be encouraged by the form of Ayew brothers Andre captain of the side and Jordan, who were both on the score sheet against Benin Squirrels on Tuesday.
However, Appiah will be forced to shuffle his defence after central defender John Boye was given marching orders for two bookable offences and left back Thomas Agyepong who limped off in the first half with an injury.
It is a must win for Black Stars after opening with a draw while Cameroon can afford to settle for a draw.
