A second half comeback saw the Black Stars seal a place in the quarter finals of the 2015 African Cup of Nations with a 2-1 win over South Africa.
Goals from substitute John Boye and Andre Dede Ayew after Mandla Masango’s sixteenth minute opener for South Africa, sent the Black Stars top of Group C and through to the last eight of the competition.
A few standout performances, especially in a barnstorming second half, but which players should be the first names on the Black Stars teamsheet and which ones are in danger of getting off it.
Citi Sport analyses the performances of the Ghanaians in what was a very important win. (Players rated out of 10)
Razak Braimah (Goalkeeper) – 7
Another assured performance from the new Ghana number one. Couldn’t have done much about South Africa’s wonderful opener. But he kept Ghana in the tournament when he made a fine save from Ndululaon with South Africa 1 nil up. His handling was much better than in the two previous games but he still looks a little suspect and indecisive from set pieces.
Daniel Amartey (Center-back) – (6)
One of Ghana’s better players so far in the tournament, it would have been disappointing for his teammates and Coach Avram Grant to see him taken off before half-time. His clearing header was volleyed in for South Africa’s goal but prior to that he was going about his business with the same professionalism he has displayed all tournament. This twenty-year-old is well on his way to becoming a fixture in the Black Stars team and everybody will be hoping he is fit for the knockout stages.
Jonathan Mensah (Center-back) – 6
Jonathan Mensah has been criticised for his performances in the heart of the Black Stars defence in the tournament and perhaps a little unfairly so. He is still getting used to this new partnership with Daniel Amartey and his role as the senior player in the backline. He headed narrowly wide in the first half from a free-kick. However his indecision sometimes is a major factor in his game and it was evident again against South Africa where he almost let in an opposing striker early in the second half.
Harrison Afful (Wing-Back) – 6
A more subdued performance on the right side from Afful after he run Algeria ragged in the previous game. Still got forward but with less authority and didn’t deliver as many crosses. Didn’t present the option on the right that Baba Rahman did on the left. The South Africans also targeted his side on their attacks though he dealt his most of them satisfactorily
Baba Rahman (Baba Rahman) – 7
Following two surprisingly quiet games from the Augsburg left back, a much better showing was expected from the talented player. And he delivered, flying up and down the left flank providing a wider option in attack for the black Stars. It culminated in a wonderful delivery for Andre Ayew to head in Ghana’s winner. The headlines will be stolen by Ayew for the goal but Rahman put it on a plate for him with his cross. He seems to have come to the party at just the right time.
Afriyie-Acquah (Midfielder) – 7
Another yellow card for the boisterous midfielder saw him substituted in the second half for the second game in a row. However that would have been one of only a few dark spots in a good game for Afriyie-Acquah. He broke up play well and started a few attacks as well. He had a volley well saved in the first half and was relatively solid until he was subbed. He will need to practice on his tackling though, he never seems too far from a booking.
Mubarak Wakaso (Midfielder): 8
A wonderful performance from Wakaso. He was everywhere on the pitch and covered every blade of grass. He was up for every challenge and won most of them. Showed a lot of energy and flashed a few long range strikes just wide. His deliveries from set pieces were unusually poor but having been brought in for Agyeman Badu for this crucial game, a big performance was required, and he gave it.
Andre Ayew (Midfielder) – 6
The scorer of the winner this game and the goal that takes the Black Stars into the quarterfinals. He took his goal well but the cross from Rahman was begging to be converted. This was another quiet game for Andre. He started showing signs of getting into the game in the second half just before his goal when he began taking players on. But he would almost certainly have been criticised had the Black Stars crashed out. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be the reason the team is still in the tournament.
Christin Atsu (Midfielder) – 5
Considering the skill and talent the lad possesses, it is hugely surprising he hasn’t played much better in this tournament. A few runs in the first half including a run and pass for Jordan Ayew who should have scored. But Atsu was well marshaled by the South African defence. His crosses weren’t much better.
Jordan Ayew (Striker) – 5
Jordan Ayew seems to have unravelled after his impressive start to the tournament. A fine game against Senegal was followed by an average showing against Algeria and a similar performance against South Africa. It could have been very different had he taken his chance in the first half when he really should have scored. Ghana almost rued that miss but he was eventually bailed out by his brother. His place in the team may be under threat and he will be looking over his shoulder as the likes of Kwesi Appiah play themselves into contention.
Asamoah Gyan (striker) – 6
Not Gyan’s most effective game but still a threat in the box. Lead the line with his usual committed forward play but didn’t get too much service. He was always up against it with long balls being lumped up to him against a taller South African defence. Always a threat from set pieces from 25 yards, he hit one just over in the second half. His goal scoring exploits in the first game would have made up for his performance on Tuesday.
Substitutes:
John Boye (Defender)- Came on for Daniel Amartey 36 mins: 7
He was in a nose-bleed area when he took his goal for Ghana’s equaliser. How John Boye was Ghana’s furthest forward player in that attack may never be known but it was a composed finish from the defender. He remained a threat from set pieces. This much-maligned defender has gone from being a villain to a hero with a swing of his boot
Emmanuel Agyeman Badu (Midfielder) – Came on for Afriyie Acquah 70 mins – 6
Agyeman Badu wouldn’t have been pleased with being dropped to the bench for this crucial game but it was expected. He hasn’t been anywhere near his best at this tournament and it was only a matter of time before coach Grant decided to look somewhere else. However, when he came on, he showed signs of a return to form and confidence, taking shots from the edge of the box, an aspect of his game not seen enough at the tournament. He will probably stay on the bench for the next game but he must take his chances when he comes on.
Kwesi Appiah (Striker) : Came in for Jordan Ayew 70 mins – 7
What an international debut for the Cambridge United striker. He almost scored with his first touch when his shot from Asamoah Gyan’s lay-off was pushed onto the post by the South African goalkeeper. He flitted about energetically for the twenty minutes he was on and his added threat created spaces in the defence for Ghana to exploit. One to watch.
Avram Grant (Coach) – 8
Brilliant substitutions from a very experienced tactician. Noticed weaknesses and potential points of attack for the Ghanaians and reacted with perfect substitutions which influenced the game in favour of the Black Stars.
By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EdKwakofi