Richard Kingson
Long time Black Stars goal tender has lost his Richard ‘Olele’ Kingston place in the starting lineup for Ghana’s Cup of Nation’s qualifier against Swaziland as part of radical changes effected by coach Goran Stevanovic.
The Serbian coach has handed Norway-born goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey his first cap for Ghana for the match expected to be an easy one for the current leaders of Group I. Kick off is at 6pm at the Accra Sports Stadium. There will be live commentary Citi 97.3FM with live updates on citifmonline.com
Udinese playmaker Kwadwo Asamoah also loses his position after some unimpressive displays for his Italian side and in training with the Ghana team.
Midfielder Anthony Annan, who has been struggling for form since the start of the year, has also been axed in the midfield. In-form Derek Boateng has been rewarded for his hard work in the Europa League and will partner Emmanuel Agyemang Badu at the heart of the midfield.
In the absence of defender John Mensah, talented Jonathan Mensah will join Isaac Vorsah at the heart of the defence to provide stability at the back.
Versatile Belgium-based player Daniel Opare will take the problematic left-back position while John Paintsil retains his place at the right side of the defence.
Dominic Adiyiah will take the right wing position with Andre Ayew will play from the left wing. Sulley Muntari will play just behind striker Asamoah Gyan but he is expected to be switching positions with Ayew depending on the strategy to be adopted by the Swazis.
The decision to drop Kingston to the bench was expected after some recent howlers in Black Stars matches.
Also with the Swazis seen as soft opponents many soccer analysts believe it is the right time for the chance to be given to Kwarasey who switched nationality to play for Ghana. Kwadwo Asamoah was expected to be the team’s playmaker but he has not played the role Stephen Appiah played at his prime, providing the defence slicing passes and scoring goals.
He had an excellent Africa Cup of Nations in Angola last year but since then his performances for Ghana have been under intense scrutiny. Boateng gets the reward for his patience and together with Agyemang Badu, will provide the steel needed to protect the defence line.
Ghana line-up: Adam Kwarasey, John Pantsil, Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Dominic Adiyiah, Derek Boateng, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Andre Ayew.
Source: Citifmonline