USA-based defender Jonathan Mensah will play his first game for Ghana at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night as he has been named in the starting line-up against Egypt.

Mensah, recently recruited by Columbus Crew lost his place to Leicester City youngster Daniel Amartey.

However, the 25-year-old has been thrown into the ring as coach Avram Grant reshuffles his squad ahead of the final group D game against the Pharaohs.

The central defensive pair of John Boye and Daniel Amartey have impressed heavily since the start of the competition amid growing fears Mensah must work his socks off to regain his starting role.

Grant, a former Chelsea coach, handed opportunities to several fringe players including Samuel Tetteh and Andy Yiadom

The Black Stars have already secured qualification to the quarter-finals after wins over Uganda and Mali.

But the seven-time African champions must either win or pick a point to stay top of the group.

By Patrick Akoto