Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora has been handed his first competitive start for the Black Stars after he was named in Ghana’s penultimate qualifiers against South Africa.

The goalkeeper has been given the nod ahead of Danlad Ibrahim and Eric Ofori Antwi following the injury of first choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

Abalora has already started friendly games for Ghana, but Thursday game against South Africa is his first competitive start for the Senior national team.

MC Alhers bound Kwame Opoku and Asante Kotoko defender Ganiyu Ismail have also been handed their debut for the senior national team.

Ghana needs a win to qualify for the Nations Cup next year.

Below is the line up for the match against South Africa

16. Razak Abalora 2. Benson Anang 17. Baba Abdul Rahman 4. Nicholas Opoku 27. Ganiyu Ismail 6. Afriyie Acquah 26. Kwame Poku 11. Mubarak Wakaso 13. Caleb Ekuban 20. Mohammed Kudus 25. Emmanuel Gyasi