England-based midfielder Christian Atsu has been axed from Ghana’s starting line-up for the first time since the World Cup as coach Maxwell Konadu has made two changes to the team to play against Guinea in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Tamale on Wednesday.

The stand-in coach also excluded Udinese midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu from the team that played the Guineans in the first leg of the qualifier in Morocco on Saturday.

Konadu handed a rare Black Stars start to DR Congo-based midfielder Solomon Asante to take the place of Atsu on the wings with the intention of creating more opportunities for the strikers.

Rabiu Mohammed, who looked to have lost his lustre ahead of Saturday’s match against Guinea returns to the starting team to take the place of Badu.

Mohammed has played his way into the starting line-up after his substitute appearance in the last game as the midfield struggled to gel with Badu partnering Kwadwo Asamoah.

This looks to have led to the decision of the coach to make the changes to bring more energy and stability to allow Asamoah to operate more efficiently behind the strikers.

Atsu, who struggled to impose himself on the game in Casablanca, pay the price for not being able to cut through the Guinea defence with DR Congo based silky star Asante handed the task of weaving the magic to unlock the defence of the visitors in Tamale.

Konadu is clearly looking for a pacy and skillful midfielder who can cause problems for the opponents and the petite winger fits the bill perfectly.

The central defense which has been heavily criticised for conceding goals in the recent matches will remain intact as Mohammed Awal will partner Jonathan Mensah as there are few options available for the coach in the injury-ravaged department of the Black Stars.

Harrison Afful has been given the chance to continue at the right-back while Baba Rahman has been retained at the left-back but must be as his best to contain the marauding Guinea captain.

Rabiu will join Kwadwo Asamoah in the heart of the midfield while Asante will play from the right wing with Andre Ayew playing from the left wing.

The efficient Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan will lead the attack with support from the impressive Jordan Ayew who has been hardworking in recent matches.

Ghana’s starting-line-up:

Stephen Adams, Harrison Afful, Baba Abdul Rahman, Awal Mohammed, Jonathan Mensah, Rabiu Mohammed, Solomon Asante, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, Dede Ayew.

Do you think this starting line-up is good? Do you think Asante can bring the opportunities needed? Do you think Badu should have been axed? Make your views known in the box below: