EXCLUSIVE: Chris Hughton changes Black Stars central defensive partnership for USA clash
The 64-year-old has decided to ring changes in his starting XI to face the United States of America at the GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Akyereko TheWriter 
Ghana coach Chris Hughton has decided to ring changes in his starting XI for Tuesday night's friendly against the United States of America.
The former Nottingham Forest manager has introduced Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku to partner Amiens defender Nicholas Opoku in central defense.
Opoku, who is a former Fulham academy product, earned a late call-up after Daniel Amartey withdrew from the squad.
Although he wasn't introduced as a replacement for the 2-0 loss to Mexico when Celta de Vigo defender Joseph Aidoo suffered an ankle injury, Hughton has opted to introduce him into the starting XI.
The Americans are coming off a 3-1 loss to Germany in East Hartford, Conn. on Saturday, Oct. 14. Christian Pulisic scored the lone goal for the hosts.
Ghana is preparing for 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Madagascar at home and on the road against Comoros in November.
After years of falling short of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, the Ghanaians hit the jackpot in 2006 and have qualified for four of the five last world championships. In Germany in 2006, they reached the Round of 16, finishing with a 2-2-0 record and in 13th place.
Ghana went further in South Africa in 2010, reaching the quarterfinals but losing to Uruguay in penalty kicks. Still, Ghana finished in an impressive seventh place.
