Benjamin Epton Owusu rates the performance of the Black Stars players after they beat their Korean counterpart to end their 3 game winless streak.
Fatau Dauda (7/10)
Fatau Daudu was at his utmost against the Koreans in Monday’s warm-up game. The Orlando Pirates shot stopper put in timely saves in both the 23rd and 35th minute to deprive both Park Chu Young and Son Heung Min glaring opportunities at goal. However, Dauda struggled to deal with aerial balls as he was often found flapping crosses and corners that were swung into Ghana’s 18 yard box.
Kwadwo Asamoah (8/10)
There’s simply one word to describe Kwadwo Asamoah output during the game. He was “superb”. The Juventus wing back gave the stars options in attack whenever they surged forward. He also tracked back in time to support the likes of John Boye and Jonathan Mensah whenever they seemed to struggle in defense.
Jonathan Mensah (7/10)
Jonathan Mensah and John Boye’s partnership in the early minutes of the game was a bit jittery . But both center halves settled eventually as the game went on. Jonathan Mensah looked solid at the back as he cleared and headed threatning shots and crosses away from the Ghanaian defense.
John Boye (7/10)
John Boye also proved to be a vital force for the Stars at the back. The Rennes defender, brought his vast experience to bear to halt counter attacks and also sweep away crosses from defense. He proved crucial in the dying minutes of the first half as he blocked a goal bound shot from Koo Ja Cheol to ensure Ghana kept a clean sheet.
Harrison Afful (5/10)
Unlike the Netherlands game where he put up a splendid performance, Harrison was below par in yesterday’s game against the South Koreans. The lanky fullback struggled to cope with the pace of the Korean left back thus causing his position to be exploited on several occasions.
Rabiu Mohammed (8/10)
Rabiu Mohammed was also another standout performer in the game. The Rubin Krasanodar midfielder brought his bullish instincts to bear as he marshaled the Ghanaian midfield to provide Sulley Muntari the needed room to think and feed the forwards with the right balls.
Sulley Muntari (8/10)
His experience and leadership at the heart of midfield was obvious for everyone that watched the game. Sulley Muntari distributed the needed balls to the forwards and covered the Ghanaian back four on several occasions to ensure the Koreans were kept at bay.
Kevin – Prince Boateng (8.5/10)
He was the attacking engine of the Black Stars in the match against the Koreans. Kevin Prince Boateng initiated several counter attacking moves and was the linchpin for his colleagues in midfield. His efforts eventually paid off in the 10th minute as a telepathic play between himself and Andre Ayew landed Ghana our first goal via Jordan Ayew.
Andre Ayew (8/10)
Andre Ayew proved a handful for the Korean’s each time he run at the Korean defense. Andre Ayew also provided cover for Kwadwo Asamoah whenever he joined attack. Andre Ayew could have doubled Ghana’s lead in the 15th minute but missed a glaring chance after Kevin Prince Boateng put him through on goal.
Asamoah Gyan (8.5/10)
Captain, “Baby Jet” Asamoah Gyan did not have an easy game as he was tightly marked by the Korean defense. However, Asamoah Gyan lit up the stadium in the 44th minute when he stole the ball from midfield and dashed off to cooly finish at the near post for the Back Stars.
Abdul Majeed Waris (N/A)
Was replaced after just six minutes in the first-half as he picked up a knock on left knee.
Jordan Ayew (9/10)
Undoubtedly the man of the match. The Marseille forward’s hat-trick was undeniably the highlight of yesterday’s game. Jordan was introduced into the game in the 10th minute after Waris picked up a knock. The Marseille forward immediately settled into the game and bagged in 3 goals to provide a crucial win prior to the World Cup in Brazil.
Black Stars starting XI
Fatau Dauda; Harrison Afful, Kwadwo Asamoah, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Rabiu Mohammed ( replaced by Afriyie Acquah); Kevin-Prince Boateng (replaced by Christian Atsu) Sulley Muntari (replaced by Agyemang Badu) Asamoah Gyan (replaced by Mubarak Wakaso) Majeed Waris( replaced by Jordan Ayew) (Andre Ayew replaced by Albert Adomah)
By: Benjamin Epton Owusu/Citifmonline.com/Ghana