Afcon 2019: Appiah names Ghana XI to face Benin

Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah has named his starting eleven for the side’s opening game at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.

The Black Stars come up against the Squirrels of Benin at Ismailia Stadium Tuesday night. Kickoff is 20:00 GMT.

Appiah has opted to go with his newly adapted 4-2-3-1 system which will see skipper Andre Ayew play directly in front of goal other than his usual wing role in the team.

From behind, Andre will partner younger brother Jordan who is spearheading Ghana’s front line.

Opting for pace and trickery on the flanks, Christian Atsu and Thomas Agyepong have been chosen to power the Black Stars’ attack as wingers.

Spain-based duo Thomas Partey and Mubarak Wakaso form the central midfield pivot.

Coach Kwasi Appiah also picked an expected backline of Andy Yiadom and Lumor Agbenyenu as full-backs while the experienced John Boye forms a central defensive partnership with Kassim Nuhu Adams.

First-choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori keeps his spot.

Top stars like Kwadwo Asamoah, Baba Rahman and Asamoah Gyan are among players who may pay some roles in the Group F encounter from the bench.