Black Starlets coach Ben Fokuo has named a strong starting XI for Tuesday’s WAFU U17 Cup of Nations clash against Cote d’Ivoire.
The national U17 male team held the flying Eagles of Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in their group opener in the ongoing WAFU U17 Cup of Nations tournament in Togo.
Nigeria took the lead through substitute Joseph Arumala in the 83rd minute after converting a penalty following a foul on striker Abdullahi Ahmed.
Ghana captain Abdul Fatawu, however, scored the equalizer from the spot after Samuel Boakye was fouled in the box by Nigeria goalkeeper Destiny Emuwahen.
The Ivorians lead Group B with three points after their 1-0 win against Nigeria in their opening game.
Ghana will have to avoid a defeat against Ivory Coast in the crucial game to progress to the last four of the competition.
Abdul Manaf Ibrahim maintains his place in goal for Ghana. Augustus Asuo, Emmanuel Asibey and Kojo Pepprah Oppong remain unchanged in defence as they make the four-man backline.
Captain Abdul Fatawu Issahaku continues to lead the midfield quartet of Felix Agyemang Osei, Alhassan Alhassan, Abubakar Gaddo and Jonas Naafo. John Batigi will now partner Samuel Boakye in attack.
The game kicks off at exactly 4pm local time.
Ghana start list against Cote d’Ivoire:
Abdul Manaf Ibrahim (Gk), Augustus Asuo, Emmanuel Osei Asibey, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Felix Agyemang Osei
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (C), Alhassan Alhassan, Abubakar Gaddo, Jonas Naafo, John Batigi, Samuel Boakye.
Subs:
Abdulmajeed Maswud, Shaibu Abdullah, Kelvin Kofi Saaba (Gk), Zaidan Alhassan, Anastasius Satuh, Mohaison Mahmoud, Joshua Fuseini, Kingsford Yiadom Boakye.
Coach: Ben Fokuo
Formation/Tactique:4-4-2