Ghana’s starting lineup for the crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Sudan on Friday. Fatawu Dauda keeps his place in post as he is surely the safest hands and more experienced amongst the three goalkeepers available for selection. Harrison Afful starts in his more comfortable right back position. He has been at his best when playing in this role for both club and country. The Esperance man did same in the last home game against the same opposition and with coach Akwasi Appiah not to keen on changing too many things, it’s quite conceivable to see Afful start at right back. With Isaac Vorsah missing through injury, a central defensive partnership between Awal Mohammed and John Boye is being envisaged. Mohammed has been such a rock for Maritzburg United but had to bid his time for a similar role in the Black Stars. Now more than ever presents a fine opportunity to see it materialize. Richard Kissi-Boateng gets the nod at left-back on the basis of consistency. He didn’t actually cover himself in glory in the last game against Sudan in Kumasi but this game should provide an opportunity to redeem himself. Rabiu Mohammed is one of the very first names to be put down by the coach in his starting lineup. This tells you how impressive the young lad had been in recent times. His hunger and drive in the holding role will be most required against the skillful Sudanese. He has even added goalscoring to his game as he scored for his French club Evian in one of the final games of the season. He would be helped in that role by Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu. Dropped from the starting lineup last term in Kumasi, came on and scored to show he remains useful to the side. With Kwadwo Asamoah doubtful for Friday’s game, a fitter Agyemang-Badu is needed especially when the tackles start flying in. Sulley Muntari should take his place on one of the flanks to provide guidance to especially the young ones. His expertise in set pieces will also be required when called upon. The AC Milan star possesses the ability to produce one moment of magic – the more reason why his inclusion in the starting lineup is so imperative. He will alternate with Mubarak Wakaso – another must be in the starting XI. The Espanyol man just like Rabiu has come into his own and there is no stopping him for now. Asamoah Gyan should be played in the similar role he did against Sudan in Kumasi. He should drop a bit for the lead striker to provide the much needed distraction. His withdrawal will also provide him with a good eye to read the game well and pick his spots. He will also get much more space to display his skillfulness that he is blessed with. He can never be overlooked now, not in his current form. Mahatma Otoo gets the arrow- head role in my books. Highly motivated and full of fight. His cover as a relatively unknown would also be an added advantage to the Black Stars attack. He is very forceful and powerful and also good with the set pieces and thus passes as the best option in my analyses. Bench: Daniel Agyei, Stephen Adams (both will not play unless there is an injury to Dauda), Baba Abdul Rahman (unlikely to play), Samuel Inkoom (not sure), Jonathan Mensah (unlikely to play), Rashid Sumaila (might be needed), Isaac Cofie (might be needed), Albert Adomah (not sure), Solomon Asante (might play), Christian Atsu (will play), Kwadwo Asamoah (will play), Dominic Adiyiah (not sure) and Richmond Boakye-Yiadom (might play).
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:59:13 +0000