This should be a compelling match. The Ghanaians are by far the most tactically solid side in the tournament. They pass the ball very well and never lose their shape regardless of they score of the game. The game versus Tunisia was a prime example where they could have lost their shape under immense pressure from their opponents. But they did not. They passed the ball patiently, defended extremely well as a collective, and waited for their opponents to make a mistake. Guys like Ayew epitomize the collective and hard working nature of the Ghana team with their work both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. To beat Ghana, a team has to be capable of taking the game to them for long stretches of the game as the Guineans did.
The Zambians are not as disciplined as the Ghanaians but they are getting there fast. They move the ball quickly and sensibly and never hesitate to go forward. In terms of the sheer brilliant unpredictability that African teams were once known for, no one matches the Zambians. They can scatter a defense with a no look pass that finds one of their fast streaking players. In Kalaba, they have one of the most gifted players in the continent. It is amazing that he has not been able to find success in Europe. On the flip side because they are not at the top of their tactical discipline yet, they are capable of making mistakes that give opponents chances.
The contrast in styles makes for a compelling match-up. I think it will be a close one but I'll give the edge to the Ghanaians because of their superior discipline
