Ayew steps in for substantive captain Asamoah Gyan who is down with malaria.
Stars coach Avram Grant has named a relatively a new side with Razak Braimah in post for the Stars.
FC Copenhagan’s Daniel Amartey also makes his Nations Cup debut in central defence and would be pairing Jonathan Mensah in the heart of defence.
Jordan Ayew will lead the attack.
Black Stars starting XI:
Razak Brimah,
Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Awal Mohammed, Jonathan Mensah,
Daniel Amartey, Rabiu Mohammed, Agyemang Badu, Christian Atsu,
Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew