Black Stars’ 2-1 defeat to Germany on Monday night in their second March international friendly didn’t flatter Ghanaians, as many anticipated a worse result, but it presented the team with many changes, especially defensively.
The biggest culprit of the team’s poor showing in the two friendlies is head coach Otto Addo, who was sacked just hours after the loss in Stuttgart.
Here’s how each player is rated out of ten, with ten being the highest a player can score.
Benjamin Asare – 5
The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper was not the busiest man in the game but made a few saves. His reaction to the second goal could have been better if he had come out faster.
Caleb Yirenkyi – 6
A much more composed performance from the Nordsjaelland youngster at right-back again. This time, his runs down the flank were good as well and he obviously redeemed himself from what could be described as his worst outing for Ghana against Austria.
Derrick Kohn – 6.5
After a poor first half, the Union Berlin man recovered from short passes and rushed tackles to set up Ghana’s goal, but he certainly has not nailed down the left-back position.
Jonas Adjetey – 4.5
For a second consecutive game, the Wolfsburg man gave away a penalty that led to the opening goal with a handball. The 22-year-old’s awareness and pace have been slow in both games, reflecting his lack of game time at club level since his January move. Otto Addo’s decision not to take him off paid off as he recovered from the first-half dejection. Taking him off could have been disastrous for his confidence.
Alexander Djiku – 6
Showed some leadership and control at the back, but the coordination could have been better at the moment the second goal was scored. The Spartak Moscow man also made some crucial interventions in the course of the game.
Kojo Peprah Oppong – 7
The Nice centre-back gave a good account of himself and might have just confirmed his spot for the World Cup. Before being forced off with injury after 56 minutes, the 21-year-old never put a foot wrong. He made the right tackles and covered for Derrick Kohn brilliantly.
Kwasi Sibo – 4
His ball work has not been the best and he gave away the ball cheaply on a number of occasions, with one nearly getting punished. He was pulled after the first half.
Thomas Partey – 5.5
The Villarreal midfielder provided stability in the middle of the park and picked out his forwards with some decent long balls. The calmness he brought to the game at some points when the team was under pressure proved crucial.
Jordan Ayew – 5
The captain certainly led well with his hold-up play. Ghana didn’t have a lot of the ball, so his ball-holding and foul-winning tactics gave the team breathing space. He also played a role in the goal with his run into the box to create space for Fatawu.
Antoine Semenyo – 6.5
Played one of his best games for the Black Stars. The connection with Jordan Ayew and Derrick Kohn was good. Overall, the confidence to run with the ball and take on opponents was excellent, and he put some decent balls into the box.
Prince Adu Kwabena – 5
Again, showed glimpses of his ability, but his decision-making was not great. In one-on-one situations, he is indecisive. There was a scenario where he should have pushed the ball into the box or gone for a shot.
Subs
Elisha Owusu – 5.5
Came on at half-time for Sibo and certainly proved to be an upgrade with his pressing and passing, helping to bring some stability.
Derrick Luckassen – 5
The Pafos centre-back came on for Oppong after 56 minutes and never looked lost.
Fatawu Issahaku – 7.5
The Leicester winger scored Ghana’s only goal four minutes after replacing Adu Kwabena. He showed maturity with the finish, as we’ve seen him sky chances like this.
Christopher Bonsu Baah – N/A
Kamaldeen Sulemana – N/A
Head coach Otto Addo – 3
Improved coaching but obviously didn’t survive. Some of the changes impacted the game massively. However, he denied fans the chance to see exactly what the new players he invited into the team could offer, especially right-back Marvin Senaya. The struggles in that position are well documented, and the decisions bring into question the thinking behind the call-ups.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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