Amiens SC midfielder Emmanuel Lomotey has been handed a surprise start for Ghana in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Monday.

Akkonnor has picked the 23-year-old ahead of Spain-based Baba Iddrisu for the holding role against the Bafana Bafana.

This will be Lomotey’s first competitive start for the Black Stars since receiving his maiden call up in 2020.

Lomotey takes the place of Real Mallorca midfielder Baba Iddrisu whose impact with the Black Stars has been great since his debut.

Ghana have scored 9 goals in the 6 games Baba Iddrisu has started. In that same period, the team has only conceded only 2 goals whilst he’s on the pitch.

This is a massive opportunity for Emmanuel Lomotey to silence his critics due to the criticism that followed over his call up.

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 give Ghana the edge ahead of their South Africa counterpart.