Stars host Mauritania today

After finishing on top of Group F in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a 1-0 win over the Harambee Stars of Kenya last Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars of Ghana return to action today with an international friendly against Mauritania at the same venue.

A brilliant finish by debutant Caleb Ekuban in the 82nd minute ensured that Coach Kwasi Appiah’s side wrapped up the 2019 AFCON qualifiers on a good note and fans who turn up today will be hoping to see the Stars win again

Without much at stake in this game, both sides would want to maintain their good showing put up during the qualifiers as part of their preparations for the June-July tourney in Egypt.

The Lions of Chinguetti as the Mauritanians are nicknamed, are also Egypt-bound after picking the second Group I slot ahead of Burkina Faso, despite losing the final group game 0-1 in Ouagadougou last Friday.

Some of Coach Appiah’s players who could not play in last Saturday’s game are likely to be featured today as the player assessment continues for the coach.

With the exception of Inter Milan midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah who reports say has left camp to receive medical treatment, the likes of Joseph Aidoo (who had about 10 minutes play last Saturday), Alhassan Wakaso and Asante Kotoko’s duo of Amos Frimpong and Kwame Bonsu are expected to make their first senior team appearance in today’s friendly, just as England-based striker Kwesi Appiah who is returning to the team after a long spell out due to injury.