ADVERTISEMENT

5 observations from the Congo vs Ghana game

These are 5 things we learnt in the game where Ghana disposed off Congo by 5-1 in Brazaville.

Here are five observations from the game.

Harrison Afful and Lumor have made a miraculous recovery.

The two full-backs did not start against Congo in Kumasi. Joseph Attamah Larweh had to fill the position of right back.  The Turkey-based defender was lost at an all new position throughout the game. Crystal Palace's Jeffery Schlupp was lackluster in Kumasi against the Red Devils of Congo. The general excuse that was made for both Harrison Afful and Lumor Abenyenu was that they weren't fit enough to start in the game.

ADVERTISEMENT

The second game in Brazzaville kick-started and these two were indeed ready to play. The full-backs offered the necessary cover on the wings and as a blockade for the Congolese wingers.

Fabrice Nguessi Ondoma who had a field day in Kumasi failed to replicate in the first half of proceedings for the return fixture.

Form will always supersede experience.

There is the saying that experience is the best teacher. The attribute of experience will always count in various jurisdictions including football. A number of footballing great like Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimović have made use of their experience for their various clubs and national teams in recent times. Wayne Rooney of Everton was excluded from the national team and club side during the period of the 2016/2017 season.

Andre Dede Ayew has been out of form for the last year for his club side West Ham. The introduction of Thomas Agyapong was quite long awaited. The Manchester City winger on loan at NAC Breda served as a glimmer of hope for the national team as he tore defenses apart with his electrifying pace. Agyapong needs work on his finishing though.

ADVERTISEMENT

Richmond Boakye Yiadom did also make his form count with a brace. The interesting part was that he was not called up initially but had a late call-up into the setup. His confidence to score brace emanates from his great run in the UEFA Europa qualifying round for 2017/2018 with his club Red Star Belgrade.

Richard Ofori seems to man the goalkeeping post.

Ofori who plays for Maritzburg United in South Africa and has not been getting a starting place at club side was able to command the defense and instill confidence in the back four.

The outstanding impact the former Wa All Stars keeper made in the game were the saves he was able to make for the side. Since the current goalkeeper’s trainer Richard Kingson left the scene, there has been quite a struggle to find a reputable replacement. Richard Ofori will have to keep putting up performances of this nature to make a claim for the position.

The Ghana defense cannot be trusted as a unit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Black Stars were indeed able to triumph over the Red Devils Congo by 5-1 but that should not be the caveat to say that everything was nice and tidy.

In the early minutes of the game, the Ghanaian defence with especially Jonathan Mensah really had some shaky moments. The Stars still lacked the ability to deal with attacker Thievy Bifouma on a few occasions. Right back Lloyd Ajet was able to get a goal for Congo with one minute to the end of the first half. The defending towards the goal which saw Ajet have a free header is still a course for concern in the Ghana Black Stars. Defending is one aspect Appiah and his charges should look at because the side is bound to face stronger attacks in the two games left in the qualifiers.

A new fulcrum of the team should be on course.

The Ghana Black Stars has come to the end of a full cycle and it is time for the Black Stars to start a whole new building process. Kwesi Appiah after he made his first call-ups in his second stint admitted that the team is indeed undergoing a building process.  The Ghana Football Association Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara also made the point that teams go through cycles.

A new fulcrum which should consist of Thomas Partey, Thomas Agyapong, Ebenezer Ofori and Christian Atsu is one Kwesi Appiah should be considering.

ADVERTISEMENT

The last successful Black Stars midfield unit which had Stephen Appiah, Micheal Essien, Sulley Muntari and Laryea Kingston was one which was enviable by a number of African teams. James Kwesi Appiah has the opportunity to build a whole new team with fresh individuals who are in form at the moment.

Thomas Partey netted a hat trick in the game and the Atletico Madrid midfielder now has four goals in the two games against Congo. Partey has become an influential player in the side since the Afcon 2017. He is indeed one important player the side can be built on.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT