Ghana head coach Milvoan Rajevac made an unorthodox decision to remove captain Andre Ayew and youngster Fatawu Issahaku from his team to play Zimababwe in the vital 2022 World Cup qualifier in Harare.
The Serbian coach is believed to have fired his captain Ayew because of the apparent issues with his groins that the midfielder had to contend with since coming to the camp, but he was able to get past the pain barrier on Saturday’s game against the same team.
The decision to drop Ayew who is considered as being one of the most untouchable players within the Black Stars squad, will be a shock to coaches as many are keen on Ayew always battling through the painful hurdle.
The decision to cut out Ayew and Issahaku will mean Baba Iddrisu and Benjamin Tetteh will have the opportunity to begin this crucial match in Group G game in Harare.
Rajevac dominated almost all of his top players that played in the match on Saturday with the exact same opposition, with the midfielder Baba Iddrisu coming on to replace the talented youngster.
Under fire Jordan Ayew will keep his place in the starting lineup as the sole striker, as Rajevac is confident about his overall contribution as a Crystal Palace striker to the Black Stars team.
The decision to play Iddrisu will mean that Arsenal star Thomas Partey will start in an attacking position that is more advanced than the defensive midfield spot that hindered him from causing any problems during the first half of Saturday’s game at Cape Coast.
Incredible goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott will be given an opportunity to begin the game, with the England-based pair Daniel Amartey and Baba Rahman remain in their left and right back positions, respectively.
Alexander Djiku and Jonathan Mensah will remain in the middle of defence, while Iddrisu as well as Partey are expected to form a strong midfield central partnership.
Jordan Ayew as well as teenage sensation Kamaldeen Sulemana will be switching roles on the left and right sides in the Black Stars attack, while playmaker Mohammed Kudus will play just behind striker Benjamin Tetteh.
Ghana needs three points to keep pace with the top of the table South Africa in the race to qualify, and they will likely to be fully-out to beat Zimbabwe.
The Black Stars have been rejuvenated with the appointment of Milovan Rajevac. The Serbian manager hopes to repeat his triumphs of the year 2010.
Despite their current challenges, Zimbabwe may cause some issues at home, as evident through their performances in the first game of the series.
Starting line-up:
1. Jojo 2. Amartey 3. Baba 4. Jonathan 5. Djiku 6. Baba 7. Ayew 8. Partey (c) 9. Tetteh, 10. Kudus 11. Kamaldeen