Five players that will be key to a Ghana win against Ethiopia in AFCON qualifier

Kasim Adams – In the absence of Daniel Amartey, Hoffenheim man Adams is expected to lead Ghana’s central defence. With Udinese’s Nicholas Opoku not in the team for this game, the identity of Adams’ partner is not so clear but the choice will be either Metz man John Boye or Columbus Crew ace Jonathan Mensah. Whoever gets the nod, he and Adams are expected to marshal the Black Stars defence to keep the Walias at bay.

Thomas Partey – The Atletico Madrid midfielder comes into Sunday’s game as Ghana’s most in-form man after scoring, assisting and building up the third goal that gave the Rojiblancos a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. His influence on the Black Stars last few games also make him Ghana’s most dangerous man. His command, drive, control and scoring ability will greatly affect the outcome of Sunday’s encounter.

Christian Atsu – It has so far been a season to forget for Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu, who has made just one start in the English Premier League this season. But with the national team, like always, he will be expected to provide constant threat on the wings in Ghana’s quest to break down the Walias defence. He was heavily criticised for a poor showing in the 1-0 defeat to Kenya in September, and will hope to make amends on Sunday.

Andre Ayew – The attacker has more to prove than any other Ghanaian player in Sunday’s game. Recalled for the first time since September 2017, the Fenerbahce man will hope to show coach James Kwesi Appiah what he has been missing all this while, and just why he should never make that ‘mistake’ again. He will be expected to provide a creative outlet for Ghana’s attack. Like Partey, he comes into Sunday’s game on high confidence after scoring for his club in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday.

Asamoah Gyan – With 51 goals in 106 internationals, Gyan remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer. His influence on the team has been so huge that in his absence, Ghana’s attack looks blunt and toothless. He has had little game time at club level and is yet to score a league goal this season, but considering his competitors – Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew, Levante’s Emmanuel Boateng and Nantes’ Abdul Majeed Waris – who equally have no league goals this campaign, Gyan still stands as Ghana’s most likely man to lead the attack in Sunday’s game.