Barnieh, Ati-Zigi start for Black Stars in pre-World Cup friendly against Switzerland

Hearts of Oak’s Daniel Afriyie-Barnieh has been handed his first senior start for the Black Stars in this morning’s friendly against Switzerland.

Barnie was one of only two players from the Ghana Premier League to make it into Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who is in pole position to go into the World Cup as Ghana’s first-choice keeper, also starts in today’s game ahead of Manaf Nurudeen and Ibrahim Danlad.

Tariq Lamptey and Baba Rahman will play on either side of a centre-back pairing of Daniel Amartey and Mohammed Salisu.

Andre Ayew captains the side today, which also includes Elisha Owusu, Salis Samed and Jordan Ayew.

Athletic Bilbao forward, Iñaki Williams will lead the line.

Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus and Alex Djiku start from the bench.

Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati-Zigi

Defenders: Tariq Lamptey, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Baba Rahman

Midfielders: Andre Ayew,  Elisha Owusu, Salis Samed, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh

Forwards: Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew

Switzerland have also named a strong side for the friendly, including Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, Chelsea’s Denis Zakaria and Man City defender, Manuel Akanji.

Today’s game is part of preparations for Otto Addo’s side as they prepare to take on Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Qatar.

Exit mobile version