Kwadwo Asamoah is, for the first time in his career, being used as a defender. The left back position he has been assigned has drawn debate, as he is known to be a left wing back or midfielder.

Although DR Congo, who drew Ghana 2-2, exploited that flank time and again, Kwesi Appiah is set to keep the Juve star in the role. The coach says he was happy with the player's output.

"I think he did very well in that position," Appiah reasoned.

Later in the game, with about ten minutes to go, Harrison Afful was brought on. This pushed Kwadwo further afield, in a move which some interpreted as a thrust-seeking tweak. But again, Appiah gave a different reason for the switch.

"I only pushed him forward in the latter part of the game because I saw most of the midfielders were tired. In that position as well, he excelled."

Backing the coach

In an interview with supersport.com in Abu Dhabi during the pre-tournament preparations, the player had been categorical in his belief that he was, like the coach said, "capable of playing anywhere."

Against Mali, Kwesi Appiah would have options of using Afful or Richard Kissi Boateng at leftback, but sources say the gaffer is comfortable with Asamoah in the role.

It is likely that the trend will continue as the Black Stars seek their first three points against the current group leaders when they meet in Port Elizabeth.