Wakaso handed first AFCON start in Ghana's line-up to face South Africa, Badu axed

Published on: 27 January 2015
Wakaso handed first AFCON start in Ghana's line-up to face South Africa, Badu axed
Gyan will play in Ghana's attack on Tuesday night

Ghana coach Avram Grant has made one change to his starting line-up to play South Africa on Tuesday night at the Africa Cup of Nations as in-form midfielder Mubarak Wakaso has been handed his first start of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

The Scotland-based midfielder's incisive pass to captain Asamoah Gyan resulted in that outstanding goal the Black Stars scored in their last match against Algeria looks to have convinced the coaches that he will capable of providing such passes to the attacking force.

This means the Israeli coach left out important midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, an indication that the Black Stars will be attacking minded for the match against the Bafana Bafana.

Grant, the former Chelsea coach who masterminded Ghana's win over Africa's top-rated side Algeria on Friday, maintained almost all the players who started in the match against the Desert Foxes.

Black Stars influential captain Asamoah Gyan will retain his place in attack where he will partner Jordan Ayew as they expect passes from midfield to unlock the stubborn Bafana Bafana defence.

Impressive goalkeeper Razak Brimah will retain his place in the post with Harrison Afful and Baba Rahman playing in the right and left back respectively.

Discovery of the tournament Daniel Amartey will partner Jonathan Mensah in central defence while Afriyie Acquah will play in central midfield position.

Chrsitian Atsu will play from the right win while Andre Ayew will be deployed on the left to provide support for the midfielders while creating opportunities for the two strikers.

Wakaso will help Acquah in midfield but will also be tasked with the responsibility of creating opportunities for Gyan and Jordan who will be leading the Black Stars attack in the 4-4-2 formation.

Ghana must win the match against the South Africa to secure automatic qualification without relying on any other result to be able to advance to the knock-out stages of the competition.

Black Stars starting XI:

Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Abdul Rahman, Daniel Amartey, Jonathan Mensah, Afriyie Acquah, Mubarak Wakaso, Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu, Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew

What do you think of Ghana's starting line up against South Africa? Do you think the coach is right to drop Badu? Do you think the players selected at the best to start against Bafana? Make your views known in the box below:

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