Ghana will kick off their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against the Atlas Lions of Morocco. The two sides have met 11 times with Ghana getting 3 wins to Morocco’s 5.
Their last competitive game was 14 years ago when the two sides met in a group stage match in AFCON 2008. The Black Stars won that game 2-0 with Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien getting on the scoresheet.
In 2021, Morocco were one of the most impressive teams on the African continent. In AFCON and World Cup qualifying, they managed an impressive 21 goals (2.625 per game) whilst conceding only 1 (0.125 per game) an impressive +2.5 per 90. Only Mali conceded the same or fewer, however the Eagles scored 10 fewer goals.
Ghana, were less impressive. In their 8 games they managed a paltry 11 goals whilst conceding 5. They won 5 games, drew 2 and lost 1. At 1.375 goals per game, Ghana’s offence is not one of the most potent; however a clean sheet rate of 37.5% means their defence is good value even if it is not one of the very best.
Ghana’s faltering attack and the immovable object that is the Atlas Lions’ rearguard is bad match up for Ghana. Even if the Black Stars are able to fashion chances, Yassine Bounou is a fearsome presence in goal.
In La Liga this season, his save percentage (80%) ranks 2nd in La Liga, and he leads the league in goals against per 90 (0.59), Clean sheets (9), and clean sheet percentage (52.9%)
