South Africa and Ghana are set to battle for a place in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations when they meet in their final Group C match on Tuesday night.
These three personal duels could go a long way in determining the outcome of the match at Estadio de Mongomo.
Andre Ayew v Anele Ngcongca
With Ghana successfully switching to a 4-4-2 formation for their win over Algeria, they are likely to stick with the same line-up for the match against South Africa and that means Andre Ayew will again find himself in a less favoured position out on the left wing. It is not the ideal platform from which the 25-year-old can show his full array of skills, but he is a danger down the flank nonetheless. The man tasked with keeping an eye on the Marseille star will be right-back Anele Ngconga. The experienced Belgium-based defender has the speed and athleticism to deny Ayew space in behind the defence, but he will also have to work hard to cut down on the Ghanaianââ¬â¢s crosses and ensure he isnââ¬â¢t able to cut inside and exchange passes with his forwards.
Asamoah Gyan v Erick Mathoho
Asamoah Gyan made a triumphant return to the Ghana team after recovering from a bout of Malaria. He scored the last-gasp winner against Algeria which has put the Black Stars back in the hunt to qualify for the quarterfinals. The veteran striker had a tough time trying to shake off Carl Medjani through the course of the match, but his persistence paid dividends when he finally evaded the Algerian centre-back in stoppage time to net the only goal. South Africaââ¬â¢s Erick Mathoho will have to go the extra distance that Medjani did not if he is to quell the threat of Gyan. The Kaizer Chiefs defender, nicknamed ââ¬ËTowerââ¬â¢ has been excellent throughout Bafanaââ¬â¢s resurgence under coach Shakes Mashaba, though he was at fault for Senegalââ¬â¢s equaliser in the 1-1 draw on Friday night, allowing Kara Mbodj to out-jump him from a simple set piece. He cannot afford such a mistake against a striker of Gyanââ¬â¢s abilities.
Sibusiso Vilakazi v Jonathan Mensah
South Africaââ¬â¢s attack at the 2015 AFCON has at times looked sensational, with the speed of their passing and movement often overwhelming defences. However, they have lacked a ruthlessness upfront that would otherwise surely have secured positive results against Algeria and Senegal. Sibusiso Vilakazi has been at the heart of much of Bafanaââ¬â¢s best play, with his vision, precision passing and intelligent movement causing a nightmare for defenders. Ghana will need Jonathan Mensah, a player who made his name in South Africa with Free State Stars, to be at his best in his duel with ââ¬ËVilaââ¬â¢. The South African will look to positon himself between Ghanaââ¬â¢s midfield and defence, making him difficult to pick up for Mensah, who must use all his experience and concentration to ensure Vilakazi doesnââ¬â¢t suddenly show up unmarked in the danger zone.