In-form returnee Kwadwo Asamoah and Levante striker Raphael Dwamena have been dropped from his starting line-up to face Kenya on Saturday in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nairobi.

Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah has excluded trusted right-back Harrison Afful from his team in favour of England-based Andy Yiadom for the match at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Coach Appiah also pulled a surprise when he named Majeed Waris ahead of Levante attacker Dwamena who was recently thought to be ahead of the latter in the pecking order.

But the Black Stars manager who has recently keenly observed both players clearly thinks the Nantes in-form player deserves to start ahead of Dwamena who is also playing well.

The decision looks to have come from the fact that he is deploying just one attacker in anticipation of a big fight in midfield for the ball.

Kwadwo Asamoah's absence has also raised eyebrows but it is clear the coach wants to give the Inter Milan player the chance to observe things from the bench before giving him the chance to play for the country for the first time in four years.

Maritzburg United goalkeeper Richard Ofori will keep his place between the sticks with Reading defender Andy Yiadom playing at right back while Dan Opare will operate at left back.

Skipper on the day Daniel Amartey will operate in central defends with Udinese player Nicholas Opoku.

Afriyie Acquah is starting in midfield with US-based Ebenezer Ofori and Christian Atsu as well as Edwin Gyasi.

Thomas Partey will play behind striker Abdul Majeed Waris.

Kwadwo Asamoah who is making a return to the team after four years will start from the bench.

Below is the Black Stars line-up against Kenya:

1. Richard Ofori 12. Andy Yiadom 4. Dan Opare 3. Nicholas Opoku 18. Daniel Amartey 6. Afriyie Acquah 8. Ebenezer Ofori 7. Christian Atsu 14. Edwin Gyasi 5. Thomas Partey 9. Majeed Waris

Subs: Lawrence Ati Harrison Afful Kwadwo Asamoah Isaac Sackey William Owusu Raphael Dwamena Rashid Sumaila