World Cup 2022: Ghana Fans Seek Divine Inspiration Before World Cup | Soccer/Soccer

In June Ghana opened up their qualification marketing campaign for the 2023 Nations Cup with a 3-0 house win over Madagascar earlier than a 1-1 draw away to Central African Republic.

An injury-depleted and Covid-hit squad then put in a poor displaying on the invitational Kirin Cup match in Japan, dropping 4-1 to the hosts, earlier than a 0-0 draw with Chile.

A September to overlook adopted.

After struggling a 3-0 pleasant defeat by Brazil in France, Ghana made heavy work of beating Nicaragua, who're 81 locations beneath them within the Fifa rankings, 1-0 in Spain.

The workforce's struggles and torpid performances have led to doubts over the power of Ghana on the pitch, and - having already modified coach and turned to the diaspora for brand spanking new gamers this yr - the nation has now turned to God.

Seventy-one % of Ghana's 32 million individuals are Christian, with 17% Muslim and a small phase adhering to conventional indigenous religions.

Those statistics understate the fervency of on a regular basis religion - with many attending church on weeknights, all-night prayer vigils frequent and billboards promoting Christian conferences lining the streets.

"Ghana is a Christian country and our government has set a day aside to pray and do fasting for the national team," Owusu Boakye Amando, a fan of Aston Villa and Ghana, advised BBC Sport Africa.

"The Muslims are starting and Christians will also pray for the national team. This is important so that we can wish them well when they go to Qatar."

Some Ghanaians have questioned Addo's lack of sport administration and dedication to the West African nation on social media.

The 47-year-old is combining his Ghana duties with a training position at German Bundesliga membership Borussia Dortmund, the place he spent six years as a participant.

There is simply a small window left to resolve on the pitch as Ghana have another pleasant earlier than the match, in opposition to Switzerland in Abu Dhabi, on 17 November.

Per week later comes their opening group match, in opposition to Portugal, when the Blacks Stars might have greater than prayers to get a consequence.