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Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah excluded Chelsea star Michael Essien from his starting line-up to face Zambia on Friday in a decisive 2014 World Cup qualifier in Kumasi. But Marseille player Andre Ayew, who is also a returnee to the Black Stars, was named in the starting line-up dominated by players who have excelled so far in the qualifiers. Asamoah Gyan will lead the line for Ghana against Zambia in Friday's World Cup qualifier after passing a late fitness test. The Black Stars captain will be partnered up-front by Majeed Warris against the Chipolopolo in the last Group D qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. Andre Ayew, who makes a return to the national team gets to start as the Black Stars need to avoid defeat to reach the final stage of the African qualifying. Starting line-up: Fatau Dauda, Daniel Opare, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Rabiu Mohammed, Andre Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah, Abdul Majeed Waris, Asamoah Gyan, Mubarak Wakaso.