Ghana’s Black Stars booked their place in the 3rd round of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers courtesy a 2 – 0 win over Le Coelecantes of Comoros thanks to goals from Wakaso Mubarak and Jordan Ayew either side of the half was enough to see them through.
Citi Sports’ Rahman Osman picks out 5 points worthy of note from the encounter.
1. Comoros came to frustrate Ghana
The visitors arrived in Ghana with the intention of replicating the ‘sit back and contain’ plan they showed at home in the first leg and to be fair, it worked to an extent. They afforded the Black Stars no space to get behind their defence and it was no coincidence that Ghana had to open the scoring with a free kick. One can say they lacked creativity but to be fair, their opponents were rather well organized.
2.Under Avram Grant Ghana have returned to a slow passing game
The Stars sprayed the ball around beautifully and but were too midfield-oriented. The moves started through the middle of the field and the ball stayed there for a very long time. That in itself was not bad but today, it allowed the visitors to stay still and keep their shape.
The wide areas were barely utilized but Schlupp chose to stay wide on the left when he was introduced and that gave the Black Stars some urgency and an outlet for creating chances.
3.Asamoah Gyan has lost some sharpness
The captain’s movement was poor and his finishing was not at the highest level. Classic Gyan would have increased his goal haul and reached the magical 50-goal mark but it was not his day.
Quite surprising on the side of the captain against a Comoros defence that had no locks on its doors.
4.The defence looks more confident now
The rear guard’s organisation was good. Individually, they were able to dispossess attackers without having to foul them. It is important to note that the defence has only given away one goal in their last 7 competitive game dating back to the AFCON group stage win versus South Africa.
The goal conceded at home to Mauritius is the only blot on the sheet.
5.Let’s applaud the new Mr. Blackstars, Mubarak ‘Bobby’ Wakaso
He opened the scoring with a sweet goal from a free kick in the 17th minute. Just like his mentor Sulley Muntari, Wakaso seems to turn up for his national team even when club football might not be at the best level.
His passes and his availability meant the Black Stars had the chance to always refresh the attacks. His goal today means he has scored 11 goals for Ghana with 9 of them coming in competitive games.
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Follow Rahman Osman on Twitter: @iamrahmanosman