Two goals in 3 minutes from Abdul Majeed Waris and Mubarak Wakaso in a brilliant first-half performance helped the Black Stars to a comfortable win over the Hawks of Togo in Tamale.
A goal from skipper Emmanuel Agyeman Badu restored Ghana’s 2 goal-lead after Jonathan Ayite had pulled one back for the Togolese in the second half.
The Stars have now beaten the Togolese for a fifth straight time, scoring 14 goals and conceding 4 in the process.
Citi Sport takes a looks at how the Black Stars players fared against the Hawks in Tamale.
Razak Brimah (Goalkeeper) – 6
Was relatively untroubled for most of the game. Pulled off a couple of saves and was spot on with his handling from set pieces and crosses. An good performance form the keeper. Would be disappointed he could’t keep a clean sheet
Harrison Afful (Right-Back) – 6
It was interesting to see how Afful would bounce back from his unconvincing performance against Uganda on Sunday. He was solid througout and even offered a threat going forward, an aspect of his game that was missing on in the defeat to the Cranes.
John Boye (Centre-Back) – 7
From his performance, it wasn’t hard to see why John Boye is an almost automatic pick for the Black Stars team. Together with Jonathan Mensah they kept the Togolese foward line at bay for most of the game, limiting them to shots from long range. However his positioning from set pieces still needs a lot of work.
Jonathan Mensah (Centre-Back) – 6
Much improved, showing from Mensah, though still not his best. Was caught in possession a few times but would have been pleased with his display. A cert for an place in the Black Stars team for the AFCON but will need to improve.
Baba Rahman (Left-Back) – 7
Yet another assured performance from Rahman who has nailed down the much-discussed left back spot. Was a constant threat to the Togolese down the left, and they fouled him every chance they got. Was solid defensively as well throughout the game. One of the most consistent performers for the Stars.
Rabiu Mohammed (Midfielder) – 7
Again supremely effective. A workhorse in midfield as always. Broke up Togolese attacks effortlessly and contributed to the Stars going forward as well. Has stepped into the space vacated by Michael Essien an made it his. Needs to improve on his goalscoring stats though.
Emmanuel Agyeman Badu (Midfielder) – 7
A better display from Badu after he was moved into a deeper role against Togo having been played in the hole behind the striker against Uganda. Was a constant threat and capped off a good display with a fine run and goal.
Mubarak Wakaso (Midfielder) – 8
A stunning display from the on-loan Celtic midfielder was summed up by an amazing goal in the first half. Continued his fine form in the second half with a few flicks. His set pieces delivery was not at its best but it was a wonderful all round display from a player who will be a major asset for the Black Stars heading into the AFCON
Solomon Asante (Midfielder) – 6
Was a threat down the right side for the Black Stars in the first half. Tailed off in the second but he has probably done enough to guarantee him a ticket to Equatorial Guinea in January.
Jordan Ayew (Striker) – 7
Another who worked tirelessly all game for Ghana. Involved in physical battles all over, coming tops in most of them. He will ultimately be disappointed he failed to find the net again for the Stars. But a good display otherwise
Majeed Waris (Striker) – 8
A very good display from Waris who once again led the line for the Black Stars. He buzzed around the Togolese defence, especially in the first half, forcing them into several mistakes. Unlike against Uganda, Waris was well supported in attack and was a handful throughout the game.
Substitutes (Unrated):
Edwin Gyimah (Midfielder) 75 mins
Came on for Agyeman Badu to close out the game at 3-1.
Christian Atsu (Midfielder) 78 mins
Came on for Solomon Asante late in the game. One good run where he thought he was fouled in the box. Didn’t have time to impose himself on the game.
Jeffery Schlupp (Midfielder) 90 mins
Came on for Mubarak Wakaso late in the game.
Maxwell Konadu (Coach) – 7
Got his selections spot on. Talk of playing defensive before the game was quashed by a ruthless first half display. Good substitutions in the second half to close out the game.
By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana