Ghana will start with a weakened side on Monday as important ailing duo of Asamoah Gyan and powerful defender John Boye have been left out of their starting line-up in their opening Group C match against Senegal while utility player Daniel Amartey has been handed his first official start for the Black Stars.
The news is a devastating blow for the Black Stars fans who were relying on the two key players against the star-studded Teranga Lions but malaria attack on Gyan and Boye illness means they have been dropped from Avram Grant's starting team.
With the blow to the side in the absence of the most influential player Gyan as well as limited options upfront, Avram Grant has decided to deploy Jordan Ayew as the sole Black Stars attacker.
In the absence of Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew will captain the Black Stars as he is currently the most senior of the players in camp at the age of just 25.
Boye's place has been taken Denmark-based Amartey who will join Mohammed Awal, Jonathan Mensah to form a strong centre-back partnership against the strong and powerful Senegal who are keen on aerial balls.
Spain-based Razak Brimah will start in the post for the Black Stars with the reliable wing-back duo of Harrison and Baba Rahman playing in right and left respectively.
#AFCON2015: @ghanafaofficial starting line up:Brimah, Afful, Rahman, Mohammed, Mensah,Amartey, Rabiu, Badu, Atsu, A Andre, J Ayew
— Ghana FA Official (@ghanafaofficial)
https://twitter.com/ghanafaofficial/status/557168332328431617
— (@ghanafaofficial) December 6, 2017
">January 19, 2015
Agyemang Badu will partner Rabiu Mohammed to provide strong cover for the defenders with the former with more responsibility of going forwards to help the attackers and provide opportunities.
Andre Ayew and Christian Atsu will have the free role responsibility of providing working on the wings as well as creating opportunities for sole striker Jordan Ayew.
Because of the serious depletion to the squad, Ghana coach looks to be more cautious not to open his side for the rampaging Senegal side who considered just one goal in six qualifying matches including the home and away victories over feared African giants Egypt.
The Black Stars look like they will be relying on smart counter-attacking moves to be able to defeat their opponents in the crunch opening match.
Ghana starting line-up:
Razak Brimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Mohammed Awal, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Rabiu, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Jordan Ayew, Christian Atsu and Andre Ayew.
Are you satisfied with the starting line-up? Do you think this starting line-up can defeat the Senegalese? Is the selection the right one because of the injuries? Do you have sympathy for Ghana coach Grant because of the injuries and illnesses? Make your views known in the box below: