Nine Ghanaian players set for French Ligue 1 start

Nine Ghanaian players in total are expected in action for various Ligue 1 clubs as the French top flight division gets underway this weekend.

Among them is debutant Ishmael Yartey who sealed a four-year move to Sochaux.


And there are also first team promotions for Kamal Issah and Kevin Osei in the Stade Rennes and Olympique Marseille squads respectively.


Akyereko Frimpong-Manson has a preview of the opening round of matches of the Ligue 1 which becomes the first major league in Europe to start.


Saint Etienne Vs Lille


Lille who finished last season in third place will begin their campaign with a trip to Saint Etienne.


They have lost playmaker Eden Hazard to Chelsea but in his place the club has acquired Ivorian international Salomon Kalou who refused to renew his contract at Chelsea.

In the Lille squad for the season is nephew of former Ghana midfielder Alex Nyarko; Jerry Vandam.


Vandam, 23, made 36 Ligue 1 appearances for relegated Caen last term.


His energy and vigilance could earn him starting place in Rudi Garcia’s starting line.


Evian TG Vs Bordeaux


Ghana midfielder Rabiu Mohammed has gradually weaved his way into Evian TG’s first team squad and is on board the club’s trip to Bordeaux.


The former Ghana U20 midfield workhorse is a sure starter for Evian in midfield but defender Jonathan Mensah who has been battling a thigh injury since February is still out.

Rabiu featured consistently for Evian in their pre-season friendlies.


Sochaux Vs Bastia


Former SL Benfica winger Ishmael Yartey is expected to make his Ligue 1 bow for Sochaux who take on Bastia at the Stade Auguste-Bonal in Montbéliard.


The 21-year-old completed a four-year move worth US$5 million last month.


None of the two sides hold the bragging rights in Saturday’s encounter as last season saw the two sides winning their home fixtures.


Yartey’s influence on the flanks will be crucial for the Sochaux as they seek to begin their campaign on an impressive note.

Stade Rennes Vs Olympique Lyon


Ghana defender John Boye returned to training for Stade Rennes on Tuesday after spending a month and half on the treatment room with a hamstring injury.


Boye is a fitness doubt for Antoinette Frederic’s side who host giants Olympique Lyon.


Reims Vs Olympique Marseille


Andre Ayew will be hoping to transform his impressive show for Marseille in Europa League on Thursday to their league opener against Reims in an away fixture.


Marseille will embark on a campaign to redeem themselves for last season’s poor form.

Elie Baup’s squad has Jordan Ayew as well as French-born Kevin Osei in the squad.


Jordan is a likely second half substitute while Kevin Osei could warm the bench.