Wakaso returns in Ghana's starting line-up to face Burkina, Adomah dropped

Published on: 06 February 2013

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah will name midfielder Mubarak Wakaso in his starting line-up to face Burkina Faso today while winger Albert Adomah will be dropped to the bench, MTNFootball.com has observed.

The coach of the Black Stars will continue to tinker with his starting team in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Nelspruit on Wednesday.

MTNFootball.com made this selection observation during Ghana’s final training session in Nelspruit on Tuesday night as the Black Stars tried their tactics for the clash with the Burkinabe.

The second-half heroics of Wakaso in Ghana’s previous game against Cape Verde has helped Wakaso force his way back into the starting line-up of the Black Stars.

The Espanyol midfielder was benched in their previous match against Cape Verde because he had only just recovered from a knee injury.

But Wakaso came on as a second-half substitute to score two goals to seal Ghana’s place in the last four of Africa’s flagship football competition.

His place in the starting line-up was taken by youngster Christian Atsu who was named man-of-the-match in their second Group B against Niger.

With Wakaso hitting his full fitness level ahead of the clash against the hard-tackling Burkinabes, coach Appiah is expected to return him to the starting line-up to help in the midfield dogfight.

With Atsu also impressing since taking the place of Wakaso it is expected that Albert Adomah, who plays on the right wing, will make way for the Black Stars’ leading scorer in the tournament so far.

Ghana will rely on the dexterity of Kwadwo Asamoah to unlock the tough defence of the Stallions with the Juventus star playing just behind lone striker Asamoah Gyan.

Emmanuel Agyemang Badu will partner youngster Rabiu Mohammed to provide the steel in midfield.

The defensive set up is expected to remain unchanged as they have not conceded any goal since the 2-2 draw against DR Congo in their opening Group B match.

Towering Isaac Vorsah and John Boye will stay at the heart of the central defence to provide cover for impressive goalkeeper Fatau Dauda.

John Paintsil and Harrison Afful will play at the right back and left back respectively and they must be in their best form to stop the Burkinabe star man Jonathan Pitriopa, who plays in all positions from the midfield to attack.

The starting line-up will give Ghana coach the chance to also make strong changes as Anthony Annan, Derek Boateng and Jonathan Mensah will provide strong options on the bench.

Ghana probable line-up against Burkina Faso:

Fatau Dauda, John Paintsil, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Isaac Vorsah, Rabiu Mohammed, Christian Atsu, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah, Mubarak Wakaso.

What do you think of this starting line-up to face Burkina Faso today? Make your views known in the box below:

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