Ghana coach James Appiah has left Inter Milan ace Kwadwo Asamoah on the bench as the Black Stars’ starting XI for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) opener against Benin has been announced.

Asamoah Gyan is another notable absentee from the starting team for the Group F tie at Ismailia Stadium.

Instead, Appiah chose Deportivo Alaves ace Mubarak Wakaso as the partner for Atletico’s Thomas Partey in midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation while Jordan Ayew has been picked to lead the lines.

Ghana XI: Richard Ofori; Andy Yiadom, Lumor Agbenyenu, John Boye, Kasim Adams Nuhu, Mubarak Wakaso, Thomas Partey, Christian Atsu, Thomas Agyepong, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew