2022 World Cup qualifier: CK Akonnor expects tough game against South Africa

Black Stars coach, CK Akonnor, is anticipating a difficult game against South Africa on matchday two of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Monday.

The Black Stars defeated Ethiopia 1-0 in their Group G opener at the Cape Coast on Friday while South Africa played out a goalless draw with Zimbabwe.

Ghana are now top of the group with three points, two points adrift the Bafana Bafana.

"They’re a wounded side because they failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. They’ve brought in an experienced coach in the person of Hugo Broos, who knows a lot about African football. The last time he played against Ghana, with Cameroon at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, he beat us 2-0. That should tell us that we’re coming up against a difficult side", coach Akonnor told FIFA.com.

"His first squad announcement is a huge statement of intent and shows he wants to give an opportunity to a more ambitious and hungrier squad. We are keeping a close eye on all our opponents, but we take it one game at a time. It’s Ethiopia now."

He added, "That’s our first hurdle to overcome. South Africa come next in three days’ time. We’ll be ready to meet them and to slug it out."