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Three questions for Avram Grant as Mali test looms

Pulse Ghana editor Godfred Akoto Boafo has three questions for Ghana coach Avram Grant ahead of Match Day 2 date with Mali

PORT GENTIL, GABON --- Ghana got  their AFCON campaign off to the perfect start after defeating Uganda by an Andre Ayew penalty. The win puts Ghana in pole position to qualify from a difficult group D with a tough test against Mali up next for the Black Stars.

Avram Grant however needs to answer three tactical questions if he is to find success on January 21.

READ MORE: AFCON 2017

1. Is Frank Acheampong really a Left Back?

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The Anderlecht flier was listed as a defensive option by Avram Grant when he announced his squad but has played primarily as a winger for most of his career. He looked out of his depth in the second half against Uganda and it will be interesting to see if Grant will be willing to stick with him against the hard running of Bakary Sako.

Ebenezer Ofori is a left back who has made the transition to offensive midfielder in the past two seasons and could also be an option. A third option would be to rely on the versatility of Harrison Afful, the team's right back who has also played at left back several times in the past. That would allow Barnsley right back Andy Kyere Yiadom a chance to make a case.

Whatever choice Grant makes, he needs to get it right.

READ MORE: AFCON 2017

2. What happened to Harrison Afful?

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The Columbus Crew star has been among the most consistent performers of the national team for several years. His intelligence and running have been crucial to the team's tactics but it is clear he has been off color for some time now.

Afful's confidence seems to have taken a blow and compounded by his error that led to Egypt's penalty in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Alexandria, he is now a very big indecisive component within the backline. There has been talk of him being unsettled by the call up of Andy Yiadom as competition but considering he is yet to be dropped, there could be very little substance in that claim.

What is clear though is he needs to pick himself up and get to his old self if Ghana are to make push in the tournament.

READ MORE: AFCON 2017

3. What to do with Jordan Ayew?

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The most polarising figure in the national team in recent times, the younger Ayew is an enigma that will not be unraveled easily.

Avram Grant's claims that Jordan had been one of the best players on the pitch against Uganda were hard to believe and it will be almost careless for the Israeli tactician not to consider another option or even a tactical adjustment.

Jordan plays for himself and his decision making is erratic,  slowing down the team.

Red Bull Salzburg forward Samuel Tetteh has been chomping for a chance to prove himself and Grant will be foolhardy to put all his eggs in Jordan Ayew's basket.

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