Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has benched AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien and given a starting role to Christian Atsu and Jordan Ayew in the World Cup game against USA tonight.

Stromgsgodset goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey will man the post and will be shielded by Juventus’ improvised left-back Kwadwo Asamoah, Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah and John Boye.

Rabiu Mohammed is making his World Cup debut from midfield alongside Sulley Muntari, Atsu and Andre Ayew.

Marseille striker Jordan Ayew partners Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan up front as Ghana face the Stars and Stripes for the third time in a row at the global football stage.

Ghana Starting XI

Adam Kwarasey, Daniel Opare, Kwadwo Asamoah, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Christian Atsu, Sulley Muntari, Jordan Ayew, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew.