Soccer News of Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Source: --

Jordan Ayew handed Nations Cup start

Youngster Jordan Ayew will make his first start in his maiden Africa Cup of Nations appearance when they take on Botswana on Tuesday.

The Marseille player has been named in coach Goran Stevanovic's starting line-up in their first game of the tournament in Gabon.

Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey will also play his first game in Africa's flagship football competition as he will be in the posts.

In the absence of suspended Isaac Vorsah, John Boye will also get to make his maiden appearance in the tournament in central defence along with captain John Mensah.

Striker Asamoah Gyan who has recovered from a thigh injury was also named in the starting line and he will be assisted in attack by Andre Ayew.

Samuel Inkoom will play at the left side of defence while John Pantsil will take the right back position.

The match will be the Black Stars' first game at the tournament as they fight for their fifth continental title.

Starting line-up: Adam Kwarasey, John Paintsil, Samuel Inkoom, John Boye, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Jordan Ayew, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Sulley Muntari.