Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has named his first starting XI for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola in Kumasi this afternoon and there is a surprise but obvious omission. Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Jordan Ayew start in Kumasi.
In his first game in charge, the former Tottenham manager made some big calls as he dropped skipper of the side Andre Ayew to the bench.
However, Jordan Ayew has been named in the squad and with Baba Rahman not included in the squad, Gideon Mensah continues his role as left-back. Denis Odoi takes in another appearance for the team as he starts in defence with Tariq Lamptey withdrawn.
Also in the squad is new Southampton signing Kamaldeen Sulemana who will play in the left wing with Ajax starman Kudus Mohammed tasked to support Inaki Williams in the attack.
As captain for the game, Arsenal midfield dynamo Thomas Partey will lead the midfield in partnership with Edmond Addo. Alexander Djiku will partner with Daniel Amartey in central defence. The returning Joseph Wollacott will make do on the bench as Lawrence Ati-Zigi completes the set-up against Angola.
![Black Stars XI against Angola - skipper Andre Dede Ayew is on the bench](https://i0.wp.com/afkmediaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black_stars_XI.jpg?resize=640%2C800&ssl=1)
Ghana and Angola share the top of the table with four points each after drawing one and winning the other of their opening two matches. The Black Stars must get the results here ahead of the return leg on Monday, March 27.
The game against Angola is the first match for Chris Hughton as leader of the team since taking over from Otto Addo in February. He has called for support for the team as he hopes to start on a positive note with the team. He, however, has dispelled any talks of him taking time to acquaint himself with the team as he has been with the team for some time now.
Discover more from afkmediaonline
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
[…] was not the biggest of threats that Ghana would have been wary of but the 117th FIFA-ranked team went into the match with the same number of points as Ghana after two matches. So there was a […]