Ghana coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has officially begun his duties as the Black Stars engage West African neighbours Mali in a friendly in Turkey as part of the team’s preparations ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sudan.
This is Akonnor’s first game as coach of the Ghana national team since his appointment nine months ago.
The coronavirus pandemic delayed Akonnor’s first game against Sudan in March this year which could have been a doubleheader for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Akonnor who was an assistant to former coach James Kwasi Appiah, played a role in Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome last November and will be at the helm of affairs this time around with support from David Duncan in search of his first win.
The former Black Stars captain will be hoping to start his campaign with a win against the Eagles of Mali.
Check Akonnor first starting line up for the Black Stars against Mali
Starting line-up: Lawrence Ati Zigi, Gideon Mensah, Tariqe Fosu, Nicholas Opoku, Kasim Nuhu, Alexander Djiku, Bernard Mensah, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew and Eugene Ansah.