Formation: 4 -4-2
Goalkeeper
Daniel Akpeyi
Maduka Okoye is out of this clash, one of Daniel Akpeyi or Francis Uzoho will replace him. Daniel Akpeyi is now warming Kaizer Chiefs bench while Francis Uzoho has been on and off for Omonia in Cyprus.
Akpeyi is our pick for the spot.
Defenders
Right Back
Ola Aina
Ola Aina was a regular for Torino but has not played a single minute for Torino since returning from the AFCON. His last competitive game was against Tunisia in the AFCON. The formal Chelsea defender is very versatile: can play on both flanks and also as a left or right wing-back. His pace is his asset and always run up and down the pitch. Reading’s Andy Yiadom has been Ghana’s right back recently but his position is under huge threat with former Fulham right-back Denis Odoi being called up by Otto Addo.
Left-back
Zaidi Sanusi
24-year-old Zaidu Sanusi is a delight to watch. He is a regular left-back for FC Porto. 17 appearances made so far for Porto in the Portuguese league this season, his speciality is jumping and acceleration. Expect him to give Ghana’s right back troubles.
Center backs
Alexander Djiku
In a back 3 system used by Strasbourg manager Julien Stephen, Djiku is flourishing at the left-hand side of the back 3. Djiku’s strength, stamina and pace have propelled Strasbourg to the 5th position of the French Ligue 1. He has played 90 minutes in each of Strasbourg’s last 6 matches. Alexander Djiku is a very solid centre back.
Daniel Amartey
Since Amartey returned to Leicester City after the disappointing AFCON campaign, he has played in every minute of Leicester’s last 13 games in all competitions. Amartey is enjoying football at the moment. The powerful centre back is very aggressive and can be dangerous for Osimhen.
Midfield (Defensive midfielders )
Thomas Partey
Partey is dictating the game for Arsenal recently. His vision, awareness, creating ability makes him a perfect fit for our midfield. The midfielder has been ever-present for Arsenal this season and he needs no introduction to the game.
Joe Aribo
Aribo has the touch of David Silva. He is very agile and can run with the ball for 40 meters in the middle of the pitch. The Rangers midfielder controls the ball with pinpoint accuracy and we partner him alongside Thomas Partey in our midfield.
Attacking Midfield
Right Wing
Emmanuel Dennis
The Watford forward is too good on either side of the wings. Pace, agility and jumping are his qualities. 9 Premier League goals and 5 assists are wonderful for a player playing for a struggling team. He is a threat to defenders.
Left-Wing
Moses Simon
He was the surprise package of the 2021 AFCON with his tricky style of play. The right-footed Nantes winger is awesome on the left wing and is dangerous to any defender on any day. The 26-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam forward has assisted 7 times in the Ligue 1 this season.
Attack
Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho will be placed right behind Victor Osimhen. The Leicester City forward on any day can torment any defence. His ability to shoot from any distance across the pitch makes him a wonderful attacker. His finishing is great as well as his shot power.
Victor Osimhen
Napoli paid around 80 million Euros for his services from Lille making him the most expensive African Footballer ever. Osimhen is dangerous with or without the ball. Standing at 6 ft 1 in, he physically looks good. Osimhen is blessed with immense pace and finishing. He has scored 11 goals for Napoli this season. He is probably the best number 9 on the continent.