Ghana defender, Afful Harrison , has been essentially ruled out of the the Black Stars in their crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against Congo to be played at the Babayara Sports Stadium on Friday.

The 31-year-old will not make the starting line up considering his fitness level and will be replaced by Istanbul defender Joseph Atamah Larweh.

Notably, Ghana defender, John Boye has been ruled out of the double-header having sustained a thigh muscle strain injury in training as he is currently undergoing further treatment.

Ghana will be hoping to revive the qualification campaign against Congo having had a sluggish start and currently occupy third position in Group E with just a point with Uganda toppling Egypt to top spot after their 1-0 win over the Pharaohs in Kampala.