Ghana gaffer CK Akonnor has handed debut starts to three new boys as he names a strong line-up to face Mali on Friday evening.

Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku, Eugene Ansah of Ironi Kiryat Shmona and Tarique Fosu of Brentford have all been handed starting roles to face the Eagles.

The squad impregnated by experience will have skipper Andre Ayew leading the team with new Arsenal signing Thomas Partey partnering Jordan Ayew in attack.

This will be coach Akonnor’s maiden game with the Black Stars and lining up strongly against Mali to make a statement.

In-form Switzerland based goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi has been handed the slot to start in post in the absence of Richard Ofori.

He will be protected in central defence by Nicholas Opoku and Kasim Nuhu who have both been excellent for their clubs since the league started in Europe this season.

On the right side of defence impressive youngster Gideon Mensah retains his place while Fosu walks straight into the starting team at the left back after gaining his first Black Stars call-up.

Another debutant Alexander Djiku will get to boss the central midfield where he will be partnered by Partey who will have the responsility of feeding Jordan Ayew with passes.

Bernard Mensah of Turkish giants Besiktas will play from the right wnng with Israel-based Eugene Ansah playing from the left side of the midfield.

Andre Ayew will play behind his brother striker Jordan Ayew as the Black Stars deploy the strategy to defeat the tough West African side.

Ghana are using the friendly to prepare for the re-start of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Starting line-up: 

Lawrence Ati Zigi (GK)

Gideon Mensah

Tariqe Fosu

Nicholas Opoku

Kasim Nuhu

Alexander Djiku

Bernard Mensah

Thomas Partey

Jordan Ayew

Andre Ayew ©

Eugene Ansah.