Ghana and Zambia will battle for the top spot in Group D of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers when they meet in a decisive match on Friday.
Friday's game is the winner-take-all with the victor moving on to the final round of CAF qualifiers. In that tournament, each of the 10 group winners will be drawn into a two-legged playoff against another group winner. The victor of that matchup heads to Brazil for the World Cup Finals next summer.
Ghana currently leads the group with 12 points and only needs a draw to advance. Meanwhile, Zambia trails by just one point and desperately needs a win to qualify for the final round.
Ghana opened its tournament with a 7-0 win over Lesotho. In the second game of qualifying Ghana lost 1-0 against Zambia. Afterward, the team pulled off a 4-0 win over Sudan and then followed up with a 3-1 win in Sudan. In the most recent game, Ghana won 2-0 over Lesotho.
Zambia was awarded a 3-0 win over Sudan in its opening game despite losing 2-0. After taking down Ghana 1-0, Zambia drew 1-1 with Lesotho. A 4-0 win over Lesotho was then followed by a 1-1 draw against Sudan.
Prediction: Ghana is the clear cut favorite in this matchup. They have World Cup experience and also lead the group by one point. Look for Ghana to put up a defensive effort in hopes of protecting the tie and looking for a quick strike on the counter. Ultimately this game will end in a 1-1 draw.
Start Time: 12 p.m. EST
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