Dicey situation for title chasing Grant

Effah

February 1, 2017 12:01 PM

Grant risk making changes in a game that has such high stakes

Ghana coach Avram Grant finds himself in a difficult position ahead of his second consecutive AFCON semi-final; to pick a recovered Asamoah Gyan or stick with the team that delivered him a win against the DRC.

Though it might be considered a good problem to have, it is one that the Israeli tactician needs to handle daintily because so much hinges on the decision he reaches.

Consider the problem.

Asamoah Gyan is the captain of the team and record goal scorer. He is the one player everyone looks up to in a tight situation and has rarely failed on the big occasion. The match against Cameroon qualifies as a big occasion. His problem, however, is that he is returning from a muscle injury and his overall match fitness is not a given having missed the quarter-final win against the DRC.

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In his absence Grant made a tactical switch many felt should have been implemented a while back in order to give the team more impetus in midfield; Afriyie Acquah's introduction meant regular pivots Partey and Wakaso could alternate getting into advanced attacking positions. The switch saw an improved attacking effort from the Black Stars and also cured their pure second half malaise. Front men Jordan and Andre Ayew played their best game at the tournament and the team made fewer errors.

This is the clear picture of the situation that Grant faces.

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When fit, Gyan is an automatic starter based on his reputation, reliance and stature but after having stumbled upon a system that works for the entire team in his absence, will Grant risk making changes in a game that has such high stakes?

Whatever decision Grant reaches, its results will define his stay with Ghana as he prepares to walk away from the Ghana job at the end of his contract later in the year.

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