The Stats Zone
June 24 2019, 18:30 · Trystan Pugh

2019 Africa Cup of Nations – Ghana vs Benin Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Ghana vs Benin taking place? Tuesday 25th June, 2019 – 21:00 (UK)

Where is Ghana vs Benin taking place? Ismailia Stadium, Ismailia

What television channel is Ghana vs Benin on? Eurosport 2

Where can I stream Ghana vs Benin? Subscribers can stream the match via Eurosport Player

Where can I get tickets for Ghana vs Benin? https://www.footballticketnet.com/2019-africa-cup-of-nations

THE TEAM NEWS

GHANA

  • Ghana qualified for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations by topping their qualifying group ahead of Kenya. They have an excellent recent record of going deep into the tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations having reached at least the semi-finals in each edition since 2008.
  • Ghana arrived in Cairo on Friday after a three-week training camp in the United Arab Emirates where they rounded off their preparations with a 0-0 draw against South Africa.
  • The relationship between their record goalscorer Asamoah Gyan and the coach has been in the spotlight with Gyan having retired from international football in March after the captaincy of the national team was taken away from him, only to reverse his decision a day later after the country's president urged him to reconsider.

BENIN

  • Benin made it through to the finals for the first time since 2010 by finishing as runners-up behind Algeria in their qualifying group, and they earned a notable 1-0 victory against Algeria during the campaign.
  • They have yet to win a match at the Africa Cup of Nations with one draw and eight defeats from their previous nine matches.
  • Benin’s most capped player and captain Stephane Sessegnon, who now plays in Turkey for Genclerbirligi, is suspended this game due to an accumulation of yellow cards picked up during their qualifying campaign.

THE PREDICTION

Ghana are well practised at going far into the tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations and they will look to start the 2019 AFCON with a victory against Benin who are making their first appearance since 2010. Benin have never won a match at the finals before and will be weakened for this game by the absence of their captain Stephane Sessegnon, and even at full strength they would have a tough task in overturning Ghana. Benin pulled off an impressive win against Algeria during qualifying but that was on home soil. Ghana are expected to use their extra experience and know-how to good effect which will enable them to come away with the three points.