Posted by Ghana defeated Angola 1-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo came from the bench to score the only goal of the game with what was virtually the last kick of the game.
Here’s how MahamaShaibu.com rated and assessed the players:
1. Lawrence Ati-Zigi – 7.0
Lawrence Ati-Zigi didn’t have much to do in post for Ghana today. The St.Gallen goalkeeper made just one save throughout 90 minutes, one which came in the opening 5 minutes of the game.
2. Dennis Odoi – 7.2
Dennis Odoi played 90 minutes and showed improvement to his game in attack. He made some decent forward runs and created 1 chance. Odoi also made 8 passes into the final third, the second most for Ghana.
3. Gideon Mensah – 7.0
Gideon Mensah wasn’t at his best in the first half. He offered nothing in attack and struggled to cope with Helder Costa. The Auxerre left-back dumped the disappointing first half performance and put in a strong show in the second half.
4. Daniel Amartey – 7.5
Daniel Amartey was solid at the back for the Black Stars. He made a crucial block to prevent a goal bound effort in the first half. Amartey was also solid on the ball, completing the second most passes in the game (57).
5. Alexander Djiku – 7.2
Unfortunately for Alexander Djiku, he picked up an injury and was replaced by Joseph Aidoo. The lanky center-back was solid in the heart of defense and should have done well with the chance he had in the second half.
6. Edmund Addo – 6.5
Edmund Addo returned to the team for the first time since the January 2022 AFCON in Cameroon. He failed to boss the midfield like he was expected to and was eventually replaced by Salis Abdul Samed.
7. Jordan Ayew – 6.5
Jordan Ayew had such a quite outing, especially in the second half. He did okay in attack, creating the joint most chances in the game (3). However, he was awful in defense, losing 9 duels, the most in the game.
8. Thomas Partey – 8.0
Thomas Partey demonstrated why he’s in the conversation of the best defensive midfielders in the World currently. He completed the most passes (69) and created the joint most chances in the game (3). Partey should have at least had an assist to his name.
9. Inaki Williams – 6.0
Once again Inaki Williams struggled upfront in the colors of Ghana. The Athletic Bilbao forward made numerous runs upfront but was offered limited services. He was subbed off in the 69th minute.
10. Mohammed Kudus – 7.0
Mohammed Kudus didn’t really impact the game like he has done in recent games at Ajax. But he created the joint most chances (3) and played a key role in the only goal of the game.
11. Kamaldeen Sulemana – 7.3
Kamaldeen Sulemana was a constant threat to the Angola defense. He completed the most dribbles in the game (8) and as well won the most duels (10). Nevertheless, he could have done more in the final third.
Substitutions:
1. Antoine Sememyo – 7.5
Came on for Inaki in the 69th minute and added impetus to the attack. He missed a big chance before scoring the winner in the last minute.
2. Joseph Paintsil – 7.0
Returned to the team after missing the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Paintsil showed his intelligence to win the foul that led to the goal.
3. Salis Abdul Samed – 7.2
Abdul Samed Salis came on in the 69th minute and brought urgency to the Ghana midfield. He gave more room to Thomas Partey to control the game.
4. Osman Bukari – N/A
Came on in the 83rd minute and didn’t have much time to impact the game.
5. Joseph Aidoo – N/A
Came on for the injured Alexander Djiku in the 87th minute and played a role in the game’s only goal.