Ghana coach Milvoan Rajevac has taken a bold decision to drop captain unfit Andre Ayew and youngster Fatawu Issahaku from his starting line-up to face Zimababwe in Tuesday's crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier in Harare, Ghanasoccernnet.com can exclusively reveal.
The Serbian coach looks to have axed his captain Ayew because of the obvious groin problems the midfielder has struggled with since he came to camp but managed to play through the pain barrier in Saturday's match against the same opponent.
But the decision to leave Ayew, who is seen as one of the untouchables in the Black Stars squad, will come as a shock to many as many coaches would be keen on Ayew continuously playing through the pain barrier.
The decision to leave out Ayew and Issahaku means Baba Iddrisu and Benjamin Tetteh will get the chance to start the crucial Group G match in Harare.
Rajevac maintianed almost all his top guns that started in Saturday's match against the same opponent with midfielder Baba Iddrisu coming on to take place of the talented youngster.
Under-fire Jordan Ayew will keep his place in the starting line up as the lone striker as Rajevac is confident over the overall contribution of the Crystal Palace striker to the Black Stars team.
The decision to start Iddrisu means Arsenal superstar Thomas Partey will start in an advanced attacking position unlike the defensive midfield position that restricted him from creating problems in the first-half on Saturday's game in Cape Coast.
Impressive goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott will get the chance to start the match with England-based duo of Daniel Amartey and Baba Rahman maintain their right and left back positions respectively.
Alexander Djiku and Jonathan Mensah will keep their partnership in the centre of the defence while Iddrisu and Partey will form a solid central midfield partnership.
Jordan Ayew and teenage prodigy Kamaldeen Sulemana will be switching positions on the right and left wings of the Black Stars attack while playmaker Mohammed Kudus will play just behind striker Benjamin Tetteh.
Ghana requires three points in order to keep the pace with top-of-the-table South Africa in the race for qualification , and they are likely to be all-out to win again against Zimbabwe.
The Black Stars have been rejuvenated by the re-appointment Milovan Rajevac. The Serbian manager is hoping to recreate his heroics from 2010.
In spite of their current struggles Zimbabwe can cause some trouble on their home field as evidenced by their performance in the opening game.
Starting line-up:
1. Jojo 2. Amartey 3. Baba 4. Jonathan 5. Djiku 6. Baba 7. Ayew 8. Partey (c) 9. Tetteh, 10. Kudus 11. Kamaldeen