Marseille hotshot Jordan Ayew has been dropped from Ghana’s starting line-up to face their Nigeria U23 counterparts in Saturday’s crucial All Africa Games qualifier in Benin City, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.
Palermo wonderkind Afriyie Acquah will start in the midfield as they take on Nigeria’s Dream Team V in the first leg of the final qualifier.
The aggressive midfielder will play alongside experienced Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu in the middle.
Captain Samuel Inkoom has been deployed as a right winger and Villarreal ace Mubarak Wakaso will raid the left flank.
Evian FC’s Rabiu Mohammed has been assigned a role behind lone striker Dominic Adiyiah.
The backline is composed of 2009 Fifa Under-20 World Cup winning mates Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Addo and David Addy.
Jordan Ayew who had a nice season with Marseille will start from the bench which is the only surprise.
But the young striker could come on in the second half as the tightly built midfield is meant to keep the Nigerians at bay.
The first of the final round qualifier will be played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City.
The match will start at 15:00 GMT
Ghana’s starting line-up
Daniel Agyei, Jonathan Mensah, David Addy, Daniel Addo, Daniel Opare-Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu, Afriyie Acquah, Rabiu Mohammed, Samuel Inkoom, Mubarak Wakaso, Dominic Adiyiah.
Subs: Joe Addo, Jordan Ayew, Gladson Awako, Richard Mpong, William Owusu Acheampong, Isaac Cofie, Ahmed Adams
View article:
Afriyie Acquah Handed Starting Role Against Nigeria, Jo Ayew Benched

