Kwadwo Asamoah makes hid first start for Ghana at the 2012 African Cup of Nations in the Group D clash against Mali.

The attacker plays behind striker Asamoah Gyan as Goran Stevanovic makes three changes to his starting team.

Defender Masahudu Alhassan plays at left back in his Nations Cup debut whiles Jonathan Mensah pairs with John Boye in central defence ahead of the suspended John Mensah.

 

Goran Stevanovic has 21 players to pick his starting team from against Mali on Saturday in the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars have also been boosted by the return of striker Asamoah Gyan from a slight injury.

Gyan made a return yesterday and lasted the full session after he was withdrawn on Thursday in training.

However, Ghana will be without captain John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah as both

 

A win for either side would confirm their place in the quarter-finals of Africa's flagship competition that has already recorded big casualties, the first round exit of Senegal, Burkina Faso and Morocco.

In the absence of top Mali stars like Mahamadou Diarra, Momo Sissoko and Frederic Kanoute, who has quit international football, midfielder Seydou Keita has assumed bigger responsibilities.

Keita says Mali is driven to win again against Ghana.

"Ghana remain

 

Goran Stevanovic is happy to have striker Asamoah Gyan back in contention for a place in his team against Mali on Saturday in the African Cup of Nations.

Gyan returned to training on Friday after a knock picked up against Botswana forced him off Thursday's session.

“I am sure Gyan is ready for the game. Gyan had some problem yesterday but today he is much better," Stevanovic said.

 

Kwadwo Asamoah hopes to make a big impact for Ghana against Mali as the two nations clash in a crucial 2012 African Cup of Nations game.

The attacking midfielder who sat out the opening Group D game is expected to see some match action at the Stade de Franceville when the two sides meet.

 

John Paintsil insists he is keen to play the role of captain and help qualify Ghana to the quarter-finals of the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

The defender will lead the Black Stars on Saturday against Mali in a Group D clash at the Stade de Franceville with either side needing a win to confirm their place in the last eight.

 

Ghana and Mali will clash in Group D of the African Cup of Nations on Saturday with either side aware that a win would put them in the comfort zone, the quarter-finals.

Their meeting is one of the tournament's biggest pairings so far.

After opening wins for both nations, the early exit of Senegal and Burkina Faso in the first round is enough, a reminder at least for them to avert following a similar