| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 8. Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (39’) | 13. Tresor Mputu (53’) |
| 20. Kwadwo Asamoah (50’) | 18. Dieumerci Mbokani (68’) |
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The Team
Fireworks expected in Ghana-DR Congo clash
Asamoah Gyan will lead Ghana's attack against DR Congo
The clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is seen as one of the most-anticipated matches of the tournament because the pedigree of the two sides in African football.
But the discussion ahead of the game has been dominated by the turmoil in the Leopards camp after trainer Claude Leroy threatened to resign just two days before the match in Port Elizabeth.
The Frenchman, who will be making his seventh appearance in Africa's biggest football event, was convinced to return to the squad after a row with the federation over bonuses.
Leroy returns to the side confident that he can lead the Leopards to victory over the side he coached at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the turmoil in the DR Congo, the Black Stars must be wary of the of a street-wise Leopards who have been boosted by the return of several players to the fold after quitting over the lack proper planning in the national team.
The Frenchman convinced Anderlecht's prolific striker Dieumerci Mbokani and West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu to return to boost the squad.
The duo had previously refused to play for the country but following their meeting with the French coach late last year in Europe they agreed to return.
Peterborough United's Gabriel Zakuani and Charleroi goalkeeper Parfait Mandanda have all accepted to play for the country while experienced striker Lomana LuaLua has returned to the side.
Ghana arrived in the tournament with their confidence boosted their impressive pre-competition form after beating Egypt and Tunisia 3-0 and 4-2 respectively.
The four-time champions will be fielding a squad dominated by young players with as many as ten players making their debuts in Africa's showpiece football event.
The Black Stars have been depleted by injuries and loss of form, leading to the exclusion of top players like Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, John Mensah and Andre Ayew.
In their absence talented youngsters Mubarak Wakaso, Albert Adomah and Christian Atsu are expected to step up to the plate and make a big impact on one of the biggest stages in world football.
The experience of the likes of Asamoah Gyan, Derek Boateng and John Paintsil will be vital for the Ghanaians who have been tipped to top the group.
Paintsil, who made his debut in the tournament in 2002, expects the DR Congo side to come into the game with all guns blazing because of the pedigree of Ghana.
"Any team against Ghana puts up a fight, we expect that. We have to believe in ourselves," Pantsil said.
Ghana and DR Congo will be their subsequent group matches against Mali and Niger respectively.
Ghana can not beat Congo.they will be walloped hands down.Infact Ghana will be eliminated in the first round.These are not friendlies anymore.
did u just say Ghana is the best team in this tournament, when they were down 2 nil to tunisia at half time? I think Ghana is a good team but other teams like ivory coast,nigeria,cape verde, zambia,etc,etc also deserve some respect.
GHANA IS THE BEST TEAM IN THIS 2013 COMPETITION, I BELIEVE IT WILL BE THE FIRST TEAM TO GO TO THE QUARTER FINAL. TODAY THEY WILL SCORE 4 AGAINST DR CONGO
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