Emmanuel Clottey has been handed a starting role as the Black Stars lead striker for Ghana's friendly against Egypt ahead of captain Asamoah Gyan, on Thursday in Abu Dhabi. The match kicks off at 9pm local time (1700 GMT). Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah named last season's African Champions League top scorer in his starting XI in their first match of the year in preparation towards this month's Africa Cup of Nations. Kwadwo Asamoah will start the game against the Pharaohs as part of the defensive unit as he occupies the left-back position. Fatau Dauda will guard the goal for the Black Stars while Jerry Akaminko partners John Boye in central defence. The game against Egypt is the first of two arranged friendlies - next game is against Tunisia on Sunday - for the Black Stars. Starting line-up Fatau Dauda, Harrison Afful, Kwadwo Asamoah, John Boye, Jerry Akaminko, Anthony Annan, Albert Adomah, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Emmanuel Clottey, Rabiu Mohammed, Mubarak Wakaso.