Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah has been handed his first start in 25 months after being named in the starting XI against South Africa in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday.
The 31-year-old last appearance for the Black Stars was in a 0-0 stalemate against Cameroon during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The powerful centre-back will partner France-based Alexander Djiku at the heart of defence in the must-win game against the Bafana Bafana.
Ghana are in control of Group G thanks to their win in their opening group game against Ethiopia. A further win in Johannesburg would put South Africa’s qualification hopes into serious doubt.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last eight matches and have kept a clean slate in seven of those matches which means they will be very difficult to beat.
They are favourites to win the match against the Black Stars who have been decimnated by the absence of about nine top players.
Two heavyweights of African football face off at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday as South Africa host Ghana in a huge World Cup 2022 qualifying clash.
The hosts kicked off stage two of the qualifying process with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, while Ghana beat Ethiopia 1-0 to lead the way in Group G.
South Africa is in Group G along with Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. They have a difficult task ahead of themselves if they want to be eligible for the global spectacle.
Only the Groups A-J winners will be able to progress to the final round for Qatar 2022 qualification.
The five remaining African nations will face off in a two-legged playoff to determine the winner.
The next World Cup, which will be held in the Middle East for the first time, is scheduled to take place between 21 November and 18 December.