Posted by Ghana came from behind to beat Central African Republic 2-1 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, in the process securing a place at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be played in Ivory Coast next year.
Central African Republic went ahead in the 25th minute through Louis Mafouta. Ghana equalized in the 43rd minute from a Mohammed Kudus free-kick, before taking the lead in the 88th minute through Ernest Nuamah.
Here’s how MahamaShaibu.com rated and assessed the players:
1. Lawrence Ati-Zigi – 5.5/10
Lawrence Ati-Zigi didn’t have much to do throughout 90 minutes. He was forced into making a save in the first half but could have at least done better to prevent the goal Ghana conceded.
2. Alidu Seidu – 7.5/10
Alidu Seidu was easily Ghana’s best player on the field. He defended brilliantly and was equally immense in attack. Alidu made 13 passes into the final third, the most by any player in the Ghana team.
3. Baba Rahman – 5.5/10
Gave the ball away on two or three occasions in the first half and was a victim of unwanted boos from the fans. However he dumped that to put up a fine display in the second half, one which was ended by an injury in the 69th minute. Baba won the most tackles in the game (3).
4. Alexander Djiku- 5.5/10
Lost his marker for the goal Ghana conceded and picked up a needless yellow card in the second half. Alexander Djiku entirely didn’t have a bad game, he was decent on the ball and made the second most passes into the final third (8).
5. Joseph Aidoo – 6.5/10
Came into the team as replacement for Daniel Amartey and displayed a solid performance at the heart of defense, staying alert to deal with every danger that was thrown by the Central African Republic attack.
6. Salis Abdul Samed – 6.5/10
Samed looked a shadow of himself in the first half but improved his display in the second half. He made 39 passes in the game and completed all the passes.
7. Osman Bukari – 5.5/10
Osman Bukari was on the end of some decent balls. He found himself in good positions but was always let down by his final decision. Bukari was replaced in the 63rd minute by Ernest Nuamah.
8. Elisha Owusu – 6/10
Came into the team for the injured Thomas Partey and did okay in midfield. He gave the defense proper cover but struggled to impact the team in attack. He was fouled for the free-kick which led to the goal.
9. Inaki Williams – 5.5/10
Just like it has always been for Inaki Williams in the Ghana national. He made lots of decent runs upfront but was hardly provided with service. Inaki’s misery was cut short in the 69th minute when he was replaced by Antoine Semenyo.
10. Mohammed Kudus – 7/10
Once again Mohammed Kudus displayed his importance to the Ghana team. He stepped up in the 43rd minute to convert a free-kick from the edge of the box. Kudus won the most duels (13) and completed the most dribbles in the match (4).
11. Jordan Ayew – 5.5/10
Captained the team in the absence of the recognized captains and did well to ensure the team was disciplined. He controlled the momentum of the game but didn’t impact the game like he was expected to.
Substitutions:
1. Ernest Nuamah – 7/10
Spent only 27 minutes on the field and was Ghana’s biggest attacking threat, creating the most chances in the game (2). Ernest who recently moved to Lyon scored the winning goal.
2. Antoine Semenyo – 7/10
Came from the bench and brought energy into the Ghana attack. He did all the hard work to set up the late and could have had a goal, if not for the post.
3. Gideon Mensah – 6/10
Came on for Baba Rahman in the 69th minute and did well to deal with the danger from the Central African Republic attack.
4. Baba Iddrisu – N/A
Came on in additional time and didn’t have time tto make an impact on the game.