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:

Comments

  • African Consciousness
    says: 9 years ago
    The Coach has decided and all Ghanaians must get behind him. Wakaso deserves a start based on his heroics against Algeria. Jordan however has to justify his Coaches confidence in him.
  • JK
    says: 9 years ago
    No, dropping Badu is risky. Why not add Wakaso, drop Jordan (lazy and selfish) and pair Dede and Gyan? I'd drop Atsu for Accam, as well. We need workaholics and ball winners, and Badu is that man. Jordan is wrong for South Africa.
  • Lord Denning
    says: 9 years ago
    I think ayew partner gyan wakaso to the left Jordan benched and baud with afriyie acquah Partner badu would have been better
  • Lord Denning
    says: 9 years ago
    I completely agree with you. Wakaso to the left. Gyan partner ayewwould have been perfect Jordan benched Badu partner afriyie acquah
  • buhari abdul rahim
    says: 9 years ago
    why is he droping badu? why the coaches always subtitiude atsu?
  • Onias
    says: 9 years ago
    Haha,I see heads spinning.
  • BANGER
    says: 9 years ago
    TO BE HONEST THE LINE UP IS COOL.WHY CHANGE A WINNING TEAM.I REALLY THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE STARTED FRANK ACHEAMPON. WITH HIS GRAZY PACE AND TRICKERY THE S AFRICANS CANNOT CATCH UP TO HIM OR S ASANTE SHOULD HAV STARTED COS HE IS TRICKEY AND HE IS A POCKET SIZE SO THE DEFENSE WILL DO NOTHIN BUT FOUL HIM IN THE BOX
  • Samedge
    says: 9 years ago
    Banger ibe long time ooo bro! Wishing the Stars the best
  • watey
    says: 9 years ago
    Jordan Ayew again, oh Ghana
  • Ghanaba
    says: 9 years ago
    i think the line up is cool. my only problem is keeping Atsu, Ayew and Wakaso on the field at the same time. Jordan on the pitch always make the Ghana team a 10 against 11team.
  • coach Badu
    says: 9 years ago
    Good line up but i dnt know why jordan is still in the line up''well lets hope and wish for the best!GHANA 2:RSA 0
  • BANGER
    says: 9 years ago
    WOW SAMEDGE U STILL ALIVE.ANYWAY HOPE U GUD.AM SURPRISE U HAVEN'T INSULSTED ME YET
  • edem
    says: 9 years ago
    Agree about dropping Jordan and moving Dede to support and bring Badu in. Although i would opt for Acheampong over Atsu not Accam in that role. Either way, should be an exciting match
  • PITO
    says: 9 years ago
    JORDAN IS TO BLAME FOR THIS FOOLISH GOAL. JORDAN IS NOT APPLYING HIMSELF TO DEFENCE AND JUST WATCHED THE PLAYER CARRY THE BALL AWAY. SUB JORDAN ENOUGH OF THIS CHILD.
  • PITO
    says: 9 years ago
    JORDAN IS PLAYING AFCON TOURNAMENT AS IF HE IS PLAYING A LEAGUE GAME. KWASIA THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE!!