Essien, Prince Boateng axed from Ghana starting line-up to face USA, Kwarasey starts

Published on: 16 June 2014
Essien, Prince Boateng axed from Ghana starting line-up to face USA, Kwarasey starts
Kevin-Prince Boateng has been excluded from Ghana's starting line-up against USA

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has taken a brave decision of axing world-class midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng and Michael Essien from his starting line-up to face the USA at the World Cup tonight, opting for younger players to fight in the expected physically challenging match in the Brazilian city of Natal.

The coach also axed goalkeeper Fatau Dauda from his starting-up opting for Norway-based Adam Kwarasey who has been in excellent form for title winners Stromsgodset.

The coach also took another brave decision by choosing midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah to play from his unusual left-back position - a position he has excelled in with Italian giants Juventus leading them to the Serie A title.

Jordan Ayew, who hit a hat-trick against South Korea in a friendly last week, is the preferred choice in attack ahead of Abdul Majeed Waris even though the latter has recovered from a thigh injury.

Christian Atsu, who lighted up the Dutch top-flight league with his skills and talent last season, will be played from the right-wing with Andre Ayew playing in the opposite direction.

With the Americans expected to be physical in their approach to the game, hard-tackling and lion-hearted Rabiu Mohammed will partner the experienced Sulley Muntari in the heart of midfield.

Jonathan Mensah and John Boye will play in central defensive while Daniel Opare is the sure bet at right-back with Asamoah Gyan as the ghost striker, playing behind Jordan Ayew.

The starting-up confirms coach Appiah approach to his work as a manager who looks at the performances of players during their training with the Black Stars with adept strategy.

Essien and Boateng are experienced players in the Black Stars squad with global popularity for their achievements in the game but recent knee operations have robbed them of their pace and tackling abilities.

This means Appiah wants younger players to fight for the ball in the opening half of the game and qwill rely on youngsters Atsu, Rabiu, Andre Ayew and Muntari to help in the midfield battle.

The defenders will see Opare preferred over Samuel Inkoom or Harrison Afful because of his excellent showing at the right-back while Asamoah is the more experienced hand at left-back.

Even though the choice of Asamoah is unpopular among some Ghanaians, he has proved effective in that position at Juventus and with few talented players in that position for the Black Stars, Appiah has opted for the safer bet.

Kwarasey dethrones Dauda as Ghana's leading goalkeeper following his good showing in the match against Holland while Jordan's recent explosive form in training gives him the advantage over Waris.

This also means that coach Appiah has some world class options on the bench in case the match turns difficult with Essien, Boateng, Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu all on the bench.

Ghana are hoping to start their campaign with a win against the Americans to boost their chances of advancing from the very difficult Group of Death that includes Germany and Portugal.

Ghana starting line-up

Adam Kwarasey, Daniel Opare, Kwadwo Asamoah, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Christian Atsu, Sulley Muntari, Jordan Ayew, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew.

*********************************************************************************************************

What do you think of the starting line-up? Do you think it is good to axe Essien and Boateng? Do you think it is good to axe Fatau Dauda? Will Atsu and Jordan excel? Make your views known in the box below:

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more