Ghana left it very late to secure a priceless win against Algeria on Friday.
Captain Asamoah Gyan, who was making his first start in the tournament, stepped up to score the decider in the 3rd minute of added time.
A big win, but were there big performances from the players? Citi Sports takes a look at who in the Ghana team set Mongomo alight and who has to improve.
Razak Braimah (Goalkeeper) – 7
An unexpectedly comfortable game for the goalkeeper against the best team in Africa. He didn’t have a save to make all game. His handling and positioning was top class. It appears he has got the position all sewn up. Will definitely face more tests than he did on Friday, against South Africa in the final round of matches.
Daniel Amartey (Center-back) – 8
Another assured performance from the young lad. He dealt with virtually every ball that came his way. Looked more comfortable with the orthodox 4-at-the-back formation. Has formed a good partnership with Jonathan Mensah and John Boye will find it hard to displace him.
Jonathan Mensah (Center-back) – 6
A much better performance from Jonathan Mensah on Friday than against Senegal. He organised the backline better and was brilliant for most of the game. he was still exposed a few times and was far from his best but it was still a good showing from the center-back
Harrison Afful (Wing-Back) – 8
A fine performance from Harrison Afful. He was heavily criticised for his inability to venture forward enough on the right wing to support the attack against Senegal. However, he responded in wonderful fashion, bombing up and down his flank every chance he got. His crosses, bar one horrible delivery in the first half, caused several problems for the Algerian defence. He was almost unstoppable and was back to his very best on Friday.
Baba Rahman (Baba Rahman) – 6
Another quiet game from the Augsburg player in terms of joining in the attack, but he was solid defensively. Was kept busy in the first half by the Algerians who felt they could exploit some weaknesses on that side but he kept them at bay and was able to occasionally join in the Black Stars attacks when the Stars tool control of the game in the second half.
Afriyie-Acquah (Midfielder) – 6
The boisterous midfielder was hooked a few minutes after the break as he was walking a tightrope having picked up a yellow card in the first half, following two overly-committed challenges. Frustrated the Algerians and especially, Yacine Brahimi with his constant breaking up of play. Probably did enough against Algeria to ensure he stays in the team for the final group game on Tuesday. However he will need to work on his tackling as he always looked one mistimed challenge away from a sending off.
Emmanuel Agyeman Badu (Midfielder) – 5
Agyeman Badu didn’t have the best of games in the loss to Senegal on Monday and this performance wouldn’t have done much to silence his doubters. Hardly had a shot at goal and misplaced a few passes, especially in the first half. The calls for him to be dropped will definitely intensify. How many more chances will he get to improve though?
Andre Ayew (Midfielder) – 5
Yet another high profile player in the team who failed to improve too much on his performance against Senegal. He was a little more visible against Algeria but did not influence the game as he normally does for club and country. was taken off by Avram Grant when Ghana needed more presence up front.
Christin Atsu (Midfielder) – 6
Showed some good form and silky feet at stages in the game. but he didn’t take players on often enough. Succeeded in Beating a number of them when he did but often withount any end product Stayed on for 90 minutes but this will certainly not be put down as one of Christian Atsu’s best performances.
Jordan Ayew (Striker) – 5
His showing against Senegal would have been difficult to match but he was quite ineffective against Algeria. An example of the inconsistencies that have plagued his career. Not a standout performance from the player who gave the Senegalese nightmares in the last game. It was probably down to the return of Asamoah Gyan, which meant he was not the main man up front for the Stars.. The highlights of his game were a few step-overs followed by a weak shot and a neat flick which just went wide.
Asamoah Gyan (striker) – 7
An understandably quiet game for the striker, who was making his first appearance in the tournament after missing the loss to Senegal with ‘a mild case of malaria.’
Led the line with as much commitment as he has done over the years and after close offside call, his hard work and determination was rewarded with a late winner for the Stars. Proved he is still Ghana’s best striker.
Substitutes: Mubarak Wakaso (Midfielder): 6
Came on for Afriyie Acquah early in the second half. Despite being renowned for his set-pieces, his deliveries from corners and free-kicks were pretty poor. His pass over the top for Gyan to run onto an score the winner was class though. But whether he did enough when he came on to merit a start against South Africa is debatable.
Solomon Asante (Midfielder) Not Rated: On for Andre Ayew in the 84th minute. Not enough time for the T.P Mazembe winger to show what he is all about. Mahatma Otoo (Striker) Not rated: Came on Jordan Ayew on 78 minutes when Ghana went for it. Couldn’t do too much in the time he was on the pitch
Avram Grant (Coach) – 6 Changed formation with the return of Gyan and was successful eventually. Kept most of the same team from the last game but his tactical switch gave the team more attacking threat. He is however, already being accused of “destroying a team that was a joy to watch.” His substitutions were questioned after the last game but he could not afford to be negative in this one as Ghana snatched the late win but there is a feeling that Gyan’s winner might have papered over the cracks.
By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EdKwakofi