Vorsah in Ghana starting line-up to face Mali - Akaminko, Atsu axed

Published on: 24 January 2013

Ghana have named their strongest starting line-up to face Mali on Thursday with Isaac Vorsah, Rabiu Mohammed and Harrison Afful returning to face the Eagles while Kwadwo Asamoah will play in midfield.

Influential midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has been returned to his favourite playmaker role as coach Kwesi Appiah attempts to spark his midfield into action in the competition in South Africa.

The Black Stars coach axed Jerry Akaminko, Derek Boateng and Christian Atsu from his starting line-up that played in their opening 2-2 draw against DR Congo in the Group B match in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

The injection of fresh blood into the starting line-up means the Black Stars will be attacking- oriented as compared to the cautious approach they adopted in the match against DR Congo.

Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey will remain on the bench as home-based shot-stopper Fatau Dauda, who excelled in the match against the DR Congo, will continue in the position.

Experienced right-back John Paintsil will maintain his regular right-back position with Harrison Afful taking the place of Kwadwo Asamoah at left back.

The Juventus star will now get the chance to play just behind striker Asamoah Gyan as coach Appiah adds some more creativity in the Ghana attack.

Even though Asamoah excelled in the left-back position, it was thought that Christian Atsu and Mubarak Wakaso struggled to create opportunities for striker Gyan during the match against DR Congo.

Vorsah, who has recovered from a thigh injury, takes the place of Akaminko as the heart of the Ghana defence to partner John Boye who has been impressive.

Akaminko pays the price for his jittery performance against the DR Congo and has been blamed by many for pulling down the Congolese attacker Dieumerci Mbokani in the penalty box which allowed them to equalise.

With Antnony Annan showing fews signs of recovery, Rabiu Mohammed takes the place of Derek Boateng at the heart of the Ghana midfield with a tough battle expected in that part of the field where Mali are greatly endowed.

Mohammed will partner Emmanuel Agyemang Badu in that position as they seek to undo star midfielder Seydou Keita and Mohammed Sissoko, who are both world-class performers.

Speedster Albert Adomah will get another chance at the right wing and he is expected ot provide the crosses for striker Asamoah Gyan as well as acting as the ghost striker.

Mubraka Wakaso will take the place of Chrsitian Atsu on the left wing with the latter expected to provide more assistance to left back Afful as well as joining Rabiu and Badu in the mdifield battle against the Malians.

Gyan will remain the lone striker upfront with Kwadwo Asamoah playing playing just behind the Al Ain goal-poacher.

Ghana starting line-up: Fatau Dauda, John Pantsil, Harrison Afful, Isaac Vorsah, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Albert Adomah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan, Mubarak Wakaso.

More to follow soon: Make your views known on the starting line-up named by coach Kwesi Appiah against Mali in the box below:

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more