Black Stars head coach Kwasi Appiah, is likely to hand debut starts to defender Gideon Mensah and midfielder Kudus Mohammed in his side’s starting lineup to face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification opener.
Ghana will host South Africa in the crucial clash on Thursday night at the Cape Coast stadium and the two young players are billed to make their maiden start for the Black Stars team.
With Goalkeeper Richard Ofori most likely to maintain his No.1 spot in posts, Kwasi Appiah will play Gideon Mensah at the left-back position following the injury of regular starter Lumor Agbenyenu with Reading Star Andy Yiadom operating from the right-back position.
The central defensive pair, barring any last minute change, will be Fortuna Dussedorf’s Kassim Nuhu Adams and Joseph Aiddo of Celta Vigo fame.
Sassuolo ace Alfred Duncan will surprisingly pair FC Nordsjælland’s youngster Kudus Mohammed in midfield while Patrick Twumasi and Andre Ayew operates from the flanks.
Atletico Madrid star Thomas Teye Partey will play behind Jordan Ayew who will spearhead the Black Stars attack as they seek to commence their qualification with a good result against South Africa.
Ghana likely start list against South Africa;
Richard Ofori [GK], Gideon Mensah, Andy Yiadom, Joseph Aidoo, Kassim Nuhu, Alfred Duncan, Kudus Mohammed, Patrick Twumasi, Thomas Partey, Andre Ayew [C], Jordan Ayew.
