Posted by The Black Stars got their preparations for the 2022 World Cup back on track with a 1-0 win against Nicaragua in an International friendly encounter at the Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco based in Lorca, Spain.
Sporting Lisbon winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored the only of the game in the first half, curling home a shot from the edge of the box.
Here’s how MahamaShaibu.com rated and assessed the players:
1. Richard Ofori – 5.5/10
Richard Ofori made his first start since September 2021 against South Africa. The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper wasn’t troubled throughout the game.
2. Alidu Seidu – 6/10
Alidu Seidu combined defending and attacking perfectly. He stopped the Nicaragua attack from causing an upset and had an attempt saved by the goalkeeper in the second half.
3. Gideon Mensah – 6/10
Replaced Baba Rahman in the starting lineup and demonstrated his quality on the ball. Gideon Mensah combined well with Osman Bukari on the left flank and should have had an assist, he created a good chance for Bukari in the first half.
4. Daniel Amartey – 6.2/10
Didn’t have much to do in defense but was solid on the ball. He created a chance for Mohammed Kudus in the first half, carrying the ball from defense to the opposition’s half.
5. Mohammed Salisu – 6.5/10
Just like Amartey, Mohammed Salisu didn’t have much to do in defense but did a lot in attack. He had three attempts at goal and should have done well with one of those attempts, heading wide a free header.
6. Baba Iddrisu – 6/10
Dumbed off Friday’s disappointing display against Brazil to put up an incredible display against Nicaragua. He was alert to break the opposition’s attacks and improved on his passing.
7. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – 6/10
Scored the only goal of the game in the first half, however Issahaku failed to impact the game like he would want to. The youngster needs a bit of patience and composure in the final third.
8. Daniel Kofi-Kyereh – 7.5/10
Easily Ghana’s best player on the field. Daniel Kofi-Kyereh was handed his 2nd start under Otto Addo and was deployed in a box to box position. He left the Nicaragua midfield facing shadows for most parts of the game.
9. Inaki Williams – 6/10
Inaki struggled in the first half, he made a lot of good attacking runs by wasn’t fed by the midfield. In the second half, the Athletic Bilbao forward saw more of the ball and should have at least had a goal or an assist.
10. Mohammed Kudus – 5/10
Mohammed Kudus failed to display his decent form in recent week. He held so much onto the ball and failed to take some good opportunities that came his way. Kudus should have scored more than once in the game.
11. Osman Bukari – 5.5
Osman Bukari had some good and bad moments in the game. The Red Star Belgrade winger combined well with Gideon Mensah on the left flank to cause havoc to the Nicaragua defense. He found himself in good situations but failed to score.
Substitutions
1. Andre Ayew – N/A
Andrew Ayew came on in the 82nd minute for his 109th appearance, equaling Asamoah Gyan’s record for the most appearance for the team. He didn’t have much time to make an impact.
2. Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer – N/A
Came on in the 82nd minute for his debut and didn’t have time to make an impact on the game.
3. Antoine Semenyo – N/A
Came in the 86th minute for Inaki Williams and had an attempt saved by goalkeeper.
4. Jordan Ayew – N/A
Came on in additional time and didn’t have time to make an impact.
5. Daniel Afriyie Barnieh – N/A
Came on in additional time and didn’t have time to demonstrate his qualities.