Atsu replaces Wakaso in Ghana's starting line-up against Niger

Published on: 28 January 2013

Ghana coach named talented youngster Christian Atsu in his starting line-up to replace Mubarak Wakaso in Monday's Group B Africa Cup of Nations match against Niger.

The inclusion of the Portugal based youngster is the only change in coach Kwesi Appiah's starting team for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations decisive game in Port Elizabeth.

Atsu takes over from Wakaso who has been suspended from the match because of the accumulation of yellow cards.

Atsu's inclusion means Kwadwo Asamoah will be deployed on the left-wing as he is capable of excelling in that position better than the youngster.

Wakaso worked tirelessly in Ghana's previous matches in that position by falling back to help the midfielders and Asamoah is the man to do that job.

Atsu is likely to play behind striker Asamoah Gyan to provide some creativty in the middle of the midfield.

Impressive goalkeeper Fatau Dauda maintain his place in the starting team while Kwadwo Asamoah will continue to play in the offensive position unlike the first match against DR Congo when he play as a left-back.

Isaac Vorsah and John Boye will provide the necessary protection in the centre of defence for Dauda while John Paintsil and Harrisson Afful will maintain their right and left back positions respectively.

Workaholic Rabiu Mohammed and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu will play in the heart of the defensive midfield while Atsu will play just behind lone striker Gyan.

Albert Adomah will play on the right wing while Asamoah will take the other side of the pitch to create some chances for Gyan.

Ghana will top Group B if they win the match in Port Elizabeth and they will stay in that city for the quarter finals.

Ghana's starting line-up: Fatau Dauda, John Paintsil, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Isaac Vorsah, Rabiu Mohammed, Albert Adomah, Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Christian Atsu, Kwadwo Asamoah.

Do you think Christian Atsu is the right man to take over from Mubarak Wakaso? Make your views known on this and other players in the starting line-up. Please type your views in the box below

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