Local Black Stars coach Maxwell Konadu has dropped striker Kofi Owusu and goalkeeper Fatau Dauda from his final 18-man squad ahead of the CHAN return leg qualifier against Cote D’voire. Owusu, the current goal king in the Ghanaian top-flight, has been left out due to lack of match fitness.

Goalkeeper Fatau Dauda was dropped on technical grounds, with youngsters Richard Ofori and Felix Annan making the trip to the neighbouring country.

The Ghanaian trainer has kept faith with the core of his defensive set-up including Lawrence Lartey, Godfred Saka, Joshua Tijani, Amos Frimpong, Baba Mensah and Abeiku Ainooson.

Medeama star Kwasi Donsu as well as Liberty Professionals ace Kennedy Ashia will form a strong partnership in midfield alongside Malik Akowuah, Kadri Mohammed, Nuhu Fuseini, Daniel Darkwah and Saban Laryea.

Fast-rising young Ghanaian striker Joel Fameyeh will lead the attack alongside Samuel Tetteh and Osei Baffour.

The Black Stars hold a slender 2-1 advantage over the Ivorians after the first-leg tie in Kumasi last week.

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori, Felix Annan

Defenders: Godfred Saka, Joshua Tijani, Amos Frimpong, Baba Mensah, Lawrence Lartey, Abeiku Ainooson.

Midfielders: Saban Laryea, Kennedy Ashia, Kwesi Donsu, Malik Akowuah, Kadri Mohammed, Nuhu Fuseini, Daniel Darkwah

Strikers: Joel Fameyeh, Samuel Tetteh, Osei Baffour