Ghana have suffered an injury blow ahead of next week’s decisive 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has been ruled out of the game.
The 21-year-old was part of the squad revealed by coach Kwesi Appiah for the game in Lilongwe.
But a troubling knee problem has left Ghana authorities with no option than to have the Udinese midfielder replaced.
“A  knee injury he suffered while playing for his Italian club in the Europa League on Thursday means he will not be available for the Black Stars for the game,†the Ghana FA said in a statement.
Italy-based midfielder Afriyie Acquah has been drafted in to replace Agyemang Badu.
Agyemang-Badu is a key player for the Black Stars and his absence will trouble coach Appiah as he was seeking to have his best materials available for the game.
But Acquah who is a regular performer for Italian side Parma this season will be seeking to impress to be able to seal a regular place in the squad.