AFCON 2023 Qs. – Chris Hughton announces Ghana’s starting XI to face Madagascar – Ati Zigi in goal, Andre Ayew starts

The Black Stars of Ghana have published their starting lineup for the upcoming match against Madagascar in the return leg of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

Lawrence Ati Zigi will play between the sticks. Dennis Odoi, Patrick Kpozo, Daniel Amartey and Joseph Aidoo are the chosen ones in defence.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Andre Ayew are back in the starting line-up.

Coach Chris Hughton’s side need a win to book their ticket to the next Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire having won two and drawn the other two matches in the qualifiers.

The Black Stars have enjoyed an unbeaten campaign in the ongoing qualifiers and are now on the verge of securing a ninth consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece.

Meanwhile, the Barea have seen their dreams of a first AFCON appearance since 2019 come to an early end as they sit rooted to the bottom of Group E, five points behind third-placed Angola.

Romuald Rakotondrabe’s men head into the weekend winless in six of their last seven games across all competitions, losing four and claiming two draws since October 2021.

In the opening game of the qualifiers, Madagascar kicked off their hunt for a second-ever Africa Cup of Nations appearance in June 2022, when they suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Ghana.