Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Kasim Nuhu have been handed their Ghana debut against Saudi Arabia, with Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah making five changes to the team that started last weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda.
The Black Stars are guests to the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in an international friendly set for Jeddah at 1700GMT today.
Zigi, a former Ghana Under-20 goalkeeper, starts in post while FC Young Boys centre-back Kasim Nuhu slots into the defensive set-up alongside Captain Daniel Amartey, Lumor Agbenyenu and Nicholas Opoku.
Turkey-based Joseph Attamah who was played out of position on his debut in September gets another chance to impress in his preferred defensive midfield role against the Asians. Ghana’s midfield is completed by the trio of Ebenezer Ofori, Alfred Duncan and Thomas Partey who started against the Cranes last Saturday.
Astana forward Patrick Twumasi also gets his first start in the Black Stars colours after his second half appearance against Uganda. He has been deployed to play behind Raphael Dwamena who will lead the attack tonight.
Following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, coach Kwasi Appiah and his technical team are beginning efforts to augment his squad for the big task of qualifying for and winning the 2019 Afcon in Cameroon.
The Saudi Arabia national team will offer the Black Stars the needed tough competition as the Asians were one of the early countries to seal qualification to the World Cup.
The Green Falcons sealed their spot last month, booking their World Cup return after an eleven-year absence.
Ghana XI vs Saudi Arabia:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Daniel Amartey, Lumor Agbenyenu Suleyman, Kasim Nuhu, Nicholas Opoku, Joseph Attamah Larweh, Ebenezer Ofori, Thomas Teye Partey, Alfred Duncan – Patrick Twumasi – Raphael Dwamena
Source: Footy-Ghana.com
