Ghana have been boosted as striker Asamoah Gyan has been named in the starting line-up to face Algeria on Friday while coach Avram Grant looks to have scrapped his ultra-defensive formation by axing central defender Mohammed Awal and midfielder Rabiu Mohammed.
But another fit-again player John Boye has not been included in the starting line-up as the Israeli coach opts to retain confidence in the two players who played in that position in the previous match.
Gyan and Boye missed Ghana’s opening group match against Senegal on Monday because of illness and after intensive treatment the two are available for action again.
Hard tackling Afriyie Acquah will get his first start at the Africa Cup of Nations as he will take the place of Rabiu Mohammed who was substituted in midfield following Ghana’s opening Group C game on Monday.
The return of Gyan is a massive lift for the Black Stars who are seeking victory over the Desert Foxes with an attacking minded line-up as the side’s substantive captain will lead the attack alongside the talented Jordan Ayew.
Grant looks to have reverted to the traditional Black Stars 4-4-2 formation after their previous attempt at the 3-5-2 system was widely blamed for the 2-1 defeat suffered at the hands of Senegal.
The axing of Awal, who was part of the three-man centre-back team in the match against Senegal, means that Jonathan Mensah will partner the impressive Daniel Amartey at the heart of the defence.
Harrison Afful will play from the right-back while Baba Rahman retains his left-back position.
Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu will partner Acquah in central midfield while Christian Atsu and and Andre Ayew will play on the right and left wing respectively.
Gyan will partner Jordan Ayew in attack which means Ghana have reverted to their favourite 4-4-2 formation which they are seeking to count on to give them the victory over the Algeria who are Africa’s best side at the moment.
Ghana will need a victory over the Algerians to keep alive their hopes of advancing from the Group of Death at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana’s starting line-up:
Razak Brimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, Jonathan Mensah, Afriyie Acquah, Christian Atsu, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew.
What do you make of Ghana’s starting line up? Do you think Gyan should be started? Do you think axing Afriyie Acquah can impress ahead of Rabiu? Do you think changing the system is good? Make your views known in the box below:
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