Ghana coach benches three regular players in Egypt clash


Ghana Black Stars coach, Avram Grant has changed his starting line-up against Egypt on Sunday, handing Agyemang Badu, Daniel Amartey and Thomas Partey rare starting places in the team as they battle the Pharaohs.

Three players, who have been regular since the Israeli coach took over nearly two years ago, John Boye, Afriyie Acquah and Frank Acheampong have all been dropped from the side to face Egypt.

The changes marks a major shake-up in the starting line-up for the Black Stars as they seek victory over Egypt in their feared Borg el Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

The selection is also a marked change for Avram Grant who has named this unpredictable starting lineup following accusations of 'predictable' line-ups for Black Stars matches.

Amartey's masterful showing in the previous game against Uganda earns him the centre-back slot ahead of John Boye whom he partnered at the heart of the defense in the match in Tamale last month.

With Jonathan Mensah returning from injury, Grant prefers to partner the Russian-based defender with the Leicester City youngster who has been calm and intelligent.

Another player who has been dropped is Afriyie Acquah who has recently come in for criticism over his role on central midfield with the accusation that he is unable to move forward to deliver passes to the strikers of wingers.

As a result Spain-based Partey is preferred ahead of the Acquah with the Atletico Madrid midfielder partnering the powerful Mubarak Wakaso in midfield to destroy the speedy Egyptian attacks.

Acheampong looks to pay the price for his inability to create chances for the strikers with the key limitation being unable to join and protect the marauding Baba Rahman at left-back.

As such Christian Atsu is preferred to play from the left wing while an unusual position is created on the right win for Badu who will join in to crowd the midfield where the Egyptians will be seeking to exploit.

Captain Andre Ayew will be deployed to play just behind his brother Jordan Ayew as the lone striker for the Black Stars in the match.

Harrison Afful will play from the right back providing the needed cover for regular goalkeeper Razak Brimah as the Black Stars seek to solidify their defense and steal the much needed win.

Seven-time African champions Egypt, who are currently second of their group following Uganda's 1-0 win over Congo, would go five points clear of Ghana with a win as they bid for their first World Cup appearance since 1990.

Egypt, who earned a 2-1 comeback victory over Congo in their opening game, are second in the group with three points, two ahead of Ghana who were held to a surprise 0-0 draw at home to Uganda last month.

Uganda, who earned a vital point after drawing away with Ghana in the first round, temporarily lead Group E on four points.

That is because the Cranes defeated Congo 1-0 in the group's second round of matches on Saturday.

Below is the Ghana line-up:

Razak Brimah- Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, Jonathan Mensah, Mubarak Wakaso, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew , Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu.


SOURCE: Soccernet