[ 2011-09-03 ]

Asamoah, Kingson dropped as Kwarasey starts against Swaziland
Long time Black Stars goal tender Richard 'Olele'
Kingston has lost his place in the starting lineup
for Ghana's Cup of Nation's qualifier against
Swaziland as part of radical changes effected by
coach Goran Stevanovic.

The Serbian coach has handed Norway-born
goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey his first cap for Ghana
for the match expected to be an easy one for the
current leaders of Group I. Kick off is at 6pm at
the Accra Sports Stadium. There will be live
commentary Citi 97.3FM with live updates on
citifmonline.com

Udinese playmaker Kwadwo Asamoah also loses his
position after some unimpressive displays for his
Italian side and in training with the Ghana team.

Midfielder Anthony Annan, who has been struggling
for form since the start of the year, has also
been axed in the midfield. In-form Derek Boateng
has been rewarded for his hard work in the Europa
League and will partner Emmanuel Agyemang Badu at
the heart of the midfield.

In the absence of defender John Mensah, talented
Jonathan Mensah will join Isaac Vorsah at the
heart of the defence to provide stability at the
back.

Versatile Belgium-based player Daniel Opare will
take the problematic left-back position while John
Paintsil retains his place at the right side of
the defence.

Dominic Adiyiah will take the right wing position
with Andre Ayew will play from the left wing.
Sulley Muntari will play just behind striker
Asamoah Gyan but he is expected to be switching
positions with Ayew depending on the strategy to
be adopted by the Swazis.

The decision to drop Kingston to the bench was
expected after some recent howlers in Black Stars
matches.

Also with the Swazis seen as soft opponents many
soccer analysts believe it is the right time for
the chance to be given to Kwarasey who switched
nationality to play for Ghana. Kwadwo Asamoah was
expected to be the team's playmaker but he has not
played the role Stephen Appiah played at his
prime, providing the defence slicing passes and
scoring goals.

He had an excellent Africa Cup of Nations in
Angola last year but since then his performances
for Ghana have been under intense scrutiny.
Boateng gets the reward for his patience and
together with Agyemang Badu, will provide the
steel needed to protect the defence line.

Ghana line-up: Adam Kwarasey, John Pantsil, Daniel
Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Emmanuel
Agyemang Badu, Dominic Adiyiah, Derek Boateng,
Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Andre Ayew.

Source - Daily Guide

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