Ghana Black Stars: Who Gets Into The Team For The First Time Since November 2019?

The Black Stars of Ghana have not been in action since November last year. But the West African side will be in action this month as they are scheduled to meet fellow further West African side Mali in Turkey on October 9, 2020, before playing Qatar on October 12.

The game against Mali will also be the first opportunity to have a look at the new coach, CK Akonnor after the former Black Stars player becomes the replacement of Head Coach Akwesi Appiah in February.

Akonnor who has already coached the likes of Kotoko, Hearts of Oak and Ashgold in his short managerial stint has already named a strong squad for the two friendlies. Today, Fillabase.com is asking; who will be in the starting lineup for the first competitive game since November last year?

In goal, Richard Ofori, Richard Ati, and Razak Abalora have all been invited but there is a huge probability that Ofori will get the nod to be in the goal post and keep his place as the team’s number one goalkeeper.

It will be a sort of a new-look defense with Lumor Agbenyenu or Jeffery Schlupp set to start at left-back for the Black stars, supported by Kassim Nuhu and Joseph Aidoo at center back while Alexander Djiku could also make his debut for the Black Stars at right back.

In midfield, Atletico Madrid star, Thomas Partey is expected to partner Bernard Mensah as the two men to shield the defense while Andre Ayew and Kudus Mohammed could fill the right and left-wing respectively.

With his impressive form with Crystal Place last season, Jordan Ayew will be expected to lead the line for the Black Stars and will likely be supported by John Antwi of Pyramids FC of Egypt on his international debut.

With the exception of injuries and last minutes tweak, this lineup could be the strongest for the Black Stars against Mali.

Expected Black Stars Lineup: Richard Ofori; Lumor Agbenyenu; Thomas Partey, Bernard Mensah, Andre Ayew, Kudus Mohammed; Jordan Ayew, John Antwi.

Black Stars Squad In Full

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Maritzburg), Richard Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Razak Abalora (Unattached)

Defenders: Benson Anang (Zilina FC), Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting Club), Yakubu Mohammed (Azam FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes). Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Joseph Aidoo (Celta de Vigo), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim).

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens), Bernard Mensah (Besiktas), Baba Iddrisu (RCD Mallorca).

Attackers/Wingers: Andre Ayew (Swansea), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Eugene Ansah (Hapoel Shmona), Jefferey Schlupp (Crystal Palace), Samuel Owusu (Al Fayha FC), Kamal Deen (Nordsjaelland SC), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax SC).