U23 AFCON: How Ghana could line up against Morocco without Afriyie Barnieh, Simba, others, Yeboah to start

In the second Group A match of the TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday, June 27, Ghana will face host nation Morocco at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The Black Meteors are determined to secure a spot in the semifinals of the competition. They started off with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Congo and will guarantee their progression to the knockout stages with a win against Morocco. The Moroccan team, on the other hand, emerged triumphant in their opening game by defeating Guinea 2-1 after coming from behind.

Ghana’s head coach, Ibrahim Tanko, is expected to make minor adjustments to the lineup that brought success against Congo.

Promising goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad is likely to retain his position as the last line of defense.

At right-back, Aaron Essel is expected to start, while Samuel Ashie Quaye, who returns from suspension, is likely to replace Edmond Arko Mensah at left-back. Terry Yegbe and David Oppong are expected to continue as the center-back duo.

In the midfield, Dominic Nsobila and Emmanuel Essiam are anticipated to maintain their positions. They will be joined by Abass Samari Salifu, who will take the place of Sylvester Simba.

Leading the attack, Emmanuel Yeboah, who scored two goals in the previous game, is expected to partner with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Ernest Nuamah, with Daniel Afriyie Barnieh providing support from the bench.

Here is a potential lineup for the Black Meteors:

Goalkeeper: Danlad Ibrahim (c)

Defenders: Samuel Ashie Quaye, Aaron Essel, Terry Yegbe, David Oppong

Midfielders: Emmanuel Essiam, Abass Samari, Dominic Nsobila

Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Fatawu Issahaku, Emmanuel Yeboah