GOALKEEPER – Richard Ofori Antwi
Back to the Black Stars after an injury-induced absence, the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper is expected to reclaim the No.1 spot, leaving St. Gallen ace Lawrence Ati-Zigi, KAS Eupen youngster Abdul Manaf Nurudeen and Hearts of Oak shot-stopper to supporting roles.
RIGHT-BACK – Andy Yiadom
The Reading full-back has been Akonnor’s trusted man on the right side of defence whenever he has been in the Black Stars and that is not expected to change against the Walias.
LEFT-BACK Abdul Rahman Baba
New Reading signing Baba Rahman and Bordeaux man Gideon Mensah got a game each in Ghana’s friendlies against Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire in June. Against Ethiopia, the former is expected to get the nod at perhaps the most keenly-contest position in the Black Stars team.
CENTRAL DEFENDER – Daniel Amartey
After three years away from national duty due to injury, Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey made a return to the Black Stars for the Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire double-header, and is expected to keep his spot at the heart of Ghana’s defence against Ethiopia.
CENTRAL DEFENDER – Alexander Djiku
The Strasbourg back-man faces stiff competition from Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah and Celta Vigo man Joseph Aidoo. But that the last two players are returning to the Black Stars after some time out seemingly gives the France-born an advantage to partner Amartey in Ghana’s central defence. Asante Kotoko’s Ismail Abdul Ganiyu is also in contention.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Mubarak Wakaso
In the absence of injured Arsenal ace Thomas Teye Partey, China-based Wakaso is expected to take up the responsibility to lead Ghana’s midfield against the Walias.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER – Emmanuel Lomotey
Akonnor has shown a soft spot for Amiens midfielder Lomotey during his reign as head coach, and that may well show again in Ghana’s XI against Ethiopia.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER – Mohammed Iddrisu Baba
Real Mallorca man Mohammed Iddrisu Baba could complete what will likely be a midfield trio for Ghana against Ethiopia, especially in preparation for Monday’s clash with South Africa where a strong midfield will be crucial.
RIGHT FORWARD – Andre Ayew
Ayew is likely to start on the right wing should Akonnor opt for a midfield trio but should the coach favour a midfield two, the Al Sadd man could take up a place as part of a front-two in attack.
LEFT FORWARD – Kamaldeen Sulemana
Back in the Black Stars for the first time since a double-header against Mali and Qatar last year, the Stade Rennes sensation will likely start on the left wing for Ghana.
CENTRE FORWARD – Jordan Ayew
The Crystal Palace striker is expected to continue his reign as Ghana’s leading striker against the Walias.