Jordan Ayew benched as Partey leads Black Stars against Mali

Jordan Ayew will start from the bench in Ghana’s crucial clash against Mali in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The significance of the encounter has provoked Otto Addo the coach to take audacious decisions that will see young energetic players face the Eagles in Ghana’s third game.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi seems to be Otto Addo’s go-to choice in the goal post following the St. Gallen shot-stopper’s consistency.

Tariq Lamptey will start at right-back while Ligue 2 champion Gideon Mensah on the other side of defence with Alexander Djiku and Alidu Seidu and Mohammed Salisu completing a back-five.

In the absence of Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey will lead the team and will pair up with Abdul Salis Samed, in front of the defence.

Mohammed Kudus returns to the side following a stellar debut season with West Ham United. He will play alongside Antoine Semenyo as well as fellow Right to Dream graduate Ernest Nuamah.

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The match is crucial for the Black Stars as they aim to climb from fifth place up the Group I table.

Ghana won one and lost the other in their first two qualifiers and are determined to turn things around in Babako.

The match kicks off at 19:00 GMT at the Stade du 26 Mars.

???????????????? ????????????????: Here's our team to face Mali

#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/Px1mSTMfEs

— Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 6, 2024

The post Jordan Ayew benched as Partey leads Black Stars against Mali first appeared on 3News.

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