Goal predicts CK Akonnor’s starting XI for their away match against Bafana Bafana on the road to Qatar
Richard Ofori, Orlando Pirates, January 2021
GOALKEEPER – Richard Ofori Antwi
Ghana’s undisputed No.1, the Orlando Pirates ace will be expected to man the Black Stars’ post in a country he is more than familiar with.
Joseph Aidoo
RIGHT-BACK – Joseph Aidoo
Naturally a centre-back, the Celta Vigo man could be deployed at right-back in the absence of Reading’s Andy Yiadom, who is one of five England-based players who missed out on Ghana’s trip to South Africa due to coronavirus-induced restrictions.
Aidoo’s La Liga and Afcon 2019 experience could see him chosen ahead of the inexperienced home-based right-back duo of Fatawu Mohammed and Philemon Baffour.
Gideon Mensah Ghana 2019
LEFT-BACK – Gideon Mensah
New Reading signing Baba Rahman is among the missing England-based quintet from Ghana’s trip to South Africa and in his absence, Bordeaux man Gideon Mensah is expected to get the nod at left-back against Bafana.
Jonathan Mensah Ghana Mark J. Rebilas
CENTRAL DEFENDER – Jonathan Mensah
The second most experienced member of the current Ghana set-up, the Columbus Crew captain is expected to take the place of absent Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey, who started against Ethiopia on Friday.
Alexander Djiku Strasbourg 2021-22
CENTRAL DEFENDER – Alexander Djiku
Arguably Ghana’s best man against Ethiopia, the Strasbourg defender is tipped to keep his place against Bafana, this time possibly playing in central defence alongside Jonathan Mensah.
Percy Tau, Bafana Bafana & Mubarak Wakaso, Ghana, March 2021
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Mubarak Wakaso
The China-based player was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Ghana’s midfield against Ethiopia and that role is not expected to change against Bafana.
Emmanuel Lomotey
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Emmanuel Lomotey
With Ghana coach CK Akonnor expected to switch from a midfield double to a trio against South Africa, the Amiens enforcer will likely be the beneficiary of the system change.
Iddrisu Mohammed Baba Real Mallorca 2019-20Getty
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Mohammed Iddrisu Baba
Real Mallorca ace Mohammed Iddrisu Baba played alongside Wakaso in central midfield on Friday and is expected to maintain his starting spot on Monday.
Yaw Yeboah of Ghana
RIGHT FORWARD – Yaw Yeboah
Poland-based Yeboah impressed as a second-half substitute against Ethiopia. With Stade Rennes youngster Kamaldeen Sulemana, who started at right wing in the last game, unavailable, the Wisla Krakow ace is tipped to get the nod in the first XI.
Ghana’s midfielder Samuel Owusu prepares to take a shot as he is marked by Cameroon’s midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
LEFT FORWARD – Samuel Owusu
The Saudi Arabia=based winger could come into the squad on the left, owing to the absence of Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp.
Andre Ayew of Ghana, Anice Badri of Tunisia, 2019
CENTRE FORWARD – Andre Ayew
With Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew unavailable, Qatar-based Andre will likely take up the responsibility as Ghana’s lead target man.
