Ghana has successfully booked it’s place to the next stage of the AFCON. Goals from Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey in the second half saw The Stars emerge victorious over a spirited Guinea Bissau. The 2-0 result means that Ghana qualifies as the top team with Cameroon finishing second. Ghana topped the group because of a superior goals scored record. Both Ghana and Cameroon have a goal difference of +2 but Ghana scored four goals whereas Cameroon scored two.
Well, how did Ghana emerge 2-0 victors? Ghana’s starting line up gave a fair idea of what they sought to do. The Black Stars sought to utilize the pace of Kwabena Owusu and Samuel Owusu on the left and right flanks respectively. Guinea Bissau resorted to using counter attacks however Ghana’s defence was resolute and dealt effectively with whatever was thrown at them. Richard Ofori continued his inspiring form as he came up with a very crucial save in the first half, parrying Piqueti’s goal bound shot to the cross bar. Ofori’s aerial presence was also impressive.
Ghana sought to catch the defense of Guinea Bissau off guard by using long balls from the midfield – we saw Wakaso loft a great pass to Jordan Ayew in the first half but the latter’s strike came off the left post. Wakaso’s energy and drive during the game earned him the Man of the Match award and we’ll only hope that the combative midfielder can come up with more of such match-winning performances.
Ghana began the second half with a lot of intensity and sense of urgency. It was the same ball in-behind the Guinea Bissau defense which found J. Ayew. This time, J. Ayew expertly curled his shot into the top right corner after beating his marker with some deft touches.
After the goal, Kwesi Appiah took out Emmanuel Owusu and brought on Afriyie Acquah. Acquah then partnered with Wakaso as the two holding midfielders whiles Andre Ayew moved to the left wing and Thomas Partey occupied the number 10 position. This tactical tweak proved vital as an exqusite pass from A. Ayew picked up an overlapping Baba Rahman whose low cross found the welcoming feet of Thomas Partey for Ghana’s second goal.
The introduction of Caleb Ekuban for T. Partey and Kwadwo Asamoah for S. Owusu saw Ghana revert to a 4-4-2 formation with Ekuban and J. Ayew upfront. Kwadwo Asamoah, A. Ayew, A. Acquah and M. Wakaso formed a four-man midfield which effectively enabled the Stars to successfully see out the game.
It was a great performance from the team and gradually, The Stars are finding their feet.
Up next for The Stars is Tunisia.
Source: EonlineGH.com/ Baiden Gideon
