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Ghana coach Charles Akonnor has named Kotoko defender Christopher Nettey for the youngster's debut in his severely depleted starting line-up to face Sudan on Thursday in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Several returnees will also be starting the match that kicks-off at 1600GMT as the Black Stars boss has sturggled to put together his favourite starting team.

Defender John Boye is joined in the starting line up with Baba Rahman and Afriyie Acquah in the Black Stars team to play the Nile Crocodiles in the match at the Cape Coast Stadium.

Also making the starting line-up is midfielder Emmanuel Lomotey who plays for French side Amiens.

Two players - who impressed in the recent Black Stars friendlies against Qatar and  Mali - Alexander Djiku and Tarique Fosu regain their places in the starting line up as Akonnor seeks some experienced players to stop the East Africans.

However experienced players in the side goalkeeper Richard Ofori, captain Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan will start the match to inject the much needed experience in the game.

The Black Stars coach has been forced to make do with the squad because of injuries, withdrawals and the outright decision of European clubs not to release players for the match.

With Ofori starting in posts, he will be protected at the heart of the defence by John Boye and Alex Djiku who impressed in the previous matches for the Black Stars.

Kotoko youngster Nettey get the chance to start the match from the right-back because players pencilled to compete with him for that position like Harrision Afful were not released by their clubs.

On the left side of the defence Chelsea star Baba Rahman get to start becasue Jeff Schlupp failed to turn up at the camp while Gideon Mensah could not travel because he has not been released by his club because of ailment.

In central midfield Acquah partners Lomotey who get the chance to play becasue all midfielders called like Mubarak Wakaso and Thomas Partey are not available.

Ghana, coached by Charles Akonnor, have so far made a perfect start to their qualification campaign and sit atop the group, beating both South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in November last year.

Their opponents on Thursday come in the form of Sudan, who have clinched a resounding 4-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe, as well as a loss at the hands of South Africa, who are just above them in the group with a better head-to-head record.

If Ghana make it three wins from three, they could qualify for a ninth straight Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Sudan will be looking to cause an upset and improve upon their chances of making the tournament for the first time since 2012.

Starting line-up

Richard Ofori, Christopher Nettey, Baba Rahman, John Boye, Alexander Djiku, Afriyie Acquah, Emmanuel Lomotey, Samuel Owusu, Tarique Fosu, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew.