Having seen their chances of reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup disappear into thin air, Ethiopia welcome Ghana to the Orlando Stadium on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ghana go in search of a third consecutive win in order to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Milovan Rajevac says he will be the happiest man on earth if the Black Stars qualify for the World Cup. Ghana will need two wins in their last two games against Ethiopia and South Africa to qualify for the playoff round.

Match preview

Ghana claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zimbabwe in matchday four of the World Cup qualifiers on October 12.

A 31st-minute strike from Thomas Partey was enough to get the job done for Milovan Rajevac's at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Consequently, the Black Stars remain second in Group G, a point behind South Africa with two games left to play.

Awaiting the west Africans next is the challenge of an opposing side who have lost each of the five previous meetings between the teams by a combined score of 11-0.

With a crunch clash against the group leaders to follow, Thursday's visitors will be keen to remain within touching distance ahead of what is set to be an enthralling finale.

Ethiopia were narrowly beaten 1-0 by South Africa when the sides faced off at the First National Bank Stadium on October 12.

Getaneh Kebede's first-half own goal was enough to settle what was otherwise a nervy and cagey contest in Johannesburg.

That defeat sees Wubetu Abate's men trail their most recent opponents by seven points, which is an unassailable lead with just two games remaining.

However, the Walias will be looking to put on a show to finish the qualifiers on an inspiring note.

Zimbabwe form: W-L-W-L-L

Ghana form: D-W-L-W-W

Team News

Andre Ayew is in line to win his 99th cap, and the 31-year-old is closing in on becoming just the second player in history to reach a century of appearances for Ghana.

Thomas Partey missed Arsenal's win over Watford due to a slight groin injury an didn't make the trip to South Africa.

Jonathan Mensah (injury), Felix Afena-Gyan (unavailable) and Benjamin Tetteh (injury) were not included in Rajevac's 24-man squad.

Alexander Djiku will also miss the Ethiopia game after accumulating yellow cards.

After finding the back of the wrong net last time out, forward Getaneh Kebede will be looking to redeem himself with an impressive performance in this one.

Kebede, who is the hosts' all-time leading goalscorer, is also seven games away from becoming his nation's most-capped player of all time.

Ethiopia possible starting lineup (4-3-3): F. Gebremichael; Yesuf, Tamene, Baye, Hamid; Dagnechew, Yohannes, Mohammed; Nassir, Kebede, A. Gebremichael

Ghana possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Wollacott; Yiadom, Aidoo, Amartey, Rahman; Iddrisu, Kudus, Andre; Sulemana, Issahaku, Jordan

Public View

Speaking to football fanatics ahead of the encounter in South Africa, Ghanaians are confident of victory for the Black Stars despite the absence some key players.

Here are some expectations of some Ghanaians who spoke to the Joy Sports teams ahead of the game.

“The absence of Thonas Partey is going to be a little bit challenging, but the addition of Boakye-Yiadom to the squad is great. I tip the Black Stars to win 2-0” - Godfred Amponsah Aryee.

This is an important game for the Stars if they want to go to Qatar 2022. It is important they pick up the three points today and match on to Sunday. I will predict a 3-1 win” - Kuzo Prosper.

“I expect Ghana to be dominant and stamp their authority in this game with the addition of some players. I think we will win 3-0” - Jude Tackie.

“I pray we win by just one goal and then we face South Africa. I can’t predict the score because I need just the three points” - Mr. Adade

“To be frank, Ghana will lose by two goals to nil because of the dismissal of C.K Akonnor and the absence of some players in the team. Ghana will lose 2-0” - Beeb3

“I know the Stars are playing today against Ethiopia and I know they will score for us. I think Jordan Ayew can give us a goal. I just need one goal”

Ethiopia vs Ghana prediction

Ethiopia's qualification hopes have already been shattered whilst Ghana's remains very alive. The sole objective of the Black Stars is to win and playing at a neutral venue could play to their advantage.

Prediction: Ethiopia 0-2 Ghana