Ghana coach names Afful, Akaminko in starting line-up, Annan axed

Published on: 01 June 2012

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has named Harrison Afful and Jerry Akaminko in his starting line-up to play Lesotho in Friday's 2014 World Cup qualifier. 

The coach axed long-serving midfielder Anthony Annan from his team to play the Crocodiles, preferring Derek Boateng in the holding midfield position.

Appiah looks to be relying on players who are experienced in the squad but he gives the chance to debutant Akaminko and Afful who has been out of the side for a while.

In the defensive midfield position Boateng will be partnered by Emmanuel Agyemang Badu while Sulley Muntari and Kwadwo Asamoah will be tasked with the attacking midfield responsibility.

The Ghana coach will clearly play the 4-4-2 formation with Jordan Ayew and Dominic Adiyiah playing in attack.

The surprise in the starting line-up was the naming of Afful after home-based player Richard Kissi excelled during training.

Kissi was in good form during training until Afful arrived from his Tunisia base in full blast which might have forced the decision to name the Esperance player in the starting line-up.

Inkoom keeps the impressive Daniel Opare in the bench while Akaminko walks straight into the team's starting line-up following his first Black Stars call-up.

Anthony Annan who has been the favourite for several foreign coaches in the holding midfield position makes way for Boateng who many think is the right person for the position.

Most of the players in the starting line-up are experienced in the squad with Akaminko and Afful the only exceptions.

Starting line-up

Adam Kwarasey, Samuel Inkoom, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Jerry Akaminko, Derek Boateng, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah, Jordan Ayew, Dominic Adiyiah.

What do you think about the starting line-up?

Do you think another players should have started?

Or do you think coach Appiah has made the right decision.

Make your views known in the box below:

Source: MTNfootball.com

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