Ghana Ring Changes Ahead of Crucial Clash with Togo in AFCON Qualifier
Ghana head coach Kwesi Appiah has made key adjustments to his starting lineup as the Black Stars prepare to face Togo in a high-stakes 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Wednesday.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Uganda in their opening group fixture, Appiah has opted for fresh faces in an effort to secure a much-needed victory in Lomé.
One of the most notable changes sees goalkeeper Stephen Adams replacing Fatau Dauda between the posts. Dauda, who started against Uganda, drops to the bench as Adams is given the nod for this crucial encounter.
Defensively, Ghana will be without centre-back John Boye, who has been ruled out due to injury and did not travel with the squad. His absence paves the way for Mohamed Awal to slot into the heart of defence alongside Jonathan Mensah. In another adjustment at the back, Baba Rahman replaces Jeffrey Schlupp at left-back.
In midfield and attack, the Black Stars maintain a strong core. Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and Everton’s Christian Atsu provide creativity in the middle of the park, while Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu brings steel and energy to the engine room.
Leading the attack is captain Asamoah Gyan, who will be supported by the Ayew brothers – Jordan and André – both of whom retain their places in the starting XI. The trio is expected to offer a potent threat going forward as Ghana seek their first win of the campaign.
Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Kwesi Appiah urged his side to treat the match as a turning point in their qualification journey.
“We will do better than we did at home. We have a strong team to play against another with the same mentality,” he said. “I would like the team to see this challenge as a new beginning. We must win.”
The stakes are equally high for Togo, who are under pressure to deliver a result in front of their home supporters after falling 2-1 to Guinea in Casablanca in their opening match. A second defeat could deal a heavy blow to their qualification hopes.
Ghana, aiming to reassert themselves as one of the continent’s elite sides, will be counting on experience and firepower to secure a valuable away win and build momentum in the group.
Ghana Starting XI:
Stephen Adams (GK), Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, Mohamed Awal, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Christian Atsu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan (C), Jordan Ayew, André Ayew.
