Hungry Black Stars players show the ‘big names’ how to do it

Goals from Thomas Partey (hat-trick) and Richmond Boakye-Yiadom (brace) ensured that Ghana run out comfortably as 5-1 winners away from home.

The final whistle signaled a moment that brought the team back into contention for a qualification spot to the 2018 world cup in Russia. But for Kwesi Appiah, this was redemption; a huge relief for a man who has had sleepless nights for the past five days.

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The Black Stars coach received a lot of flak following Ghana’s dull 1-1 draw with Congo back in Kumasi last Thursday. However, in Brazzaville, against all the odds, he delivered a result that left many of his critics eating humble pie.

Ghanaians wanted to see a team with purpose. But this time they were given much more than that as the Black Stars recorded an emphatic win that immediately revives their world cup hopes.

Key to that, though, was the performance of some players who showed heart and spirit. Hat-trick hero Thomas Partey might have stolen the show, but this was a collective output spearheaded by a so-called experimental side.

In the absence of the Ayews, Andre and Jordan, as well as captain AsamoahGyan, the baton fell on a group of inexperienced internationals to bail Ghana out in the most intense atmosphere one can ever play in.

But this was a performance of sort, made even sweeter by the fact that the team showed it can still kick on without the ‘big names’.

For so long Ghana has depended on Gyan for inspiration, and the consequence was that anytime the Kayserispor striker was off colour, the nation suffered in return. But here, Richmond Boakye-Yiadom seized the initiative and gave all Ghanaians a timely reminder of the nations untapped talent pool.

Afful Harrison – playing through the pain – deputised well as captain of the side, as he put his shy persona aside to command his lieutenants on the pitch.

EbenezerOfori – coming on the back of a traumatizing encounter with armed robbers who stole his Range Rover car and other valuables – played as if he had no troubles. Richard Ofori also showed why he should be given a run in as the Black Stars’ no.1 goalie even if Adam Kwarasay returns.

On the wings, Christian Atsu was his usual confident self, with Thomas Agyapong also running the show on the left side with a performance that should see him displace the off form Andre Ayew on any day.

Lumor Agbenyenu also once again proved why he should have started the reverse clash with the Red Devils in Kumasi, and barely put a foot wrong at left-back as he consistently kept the lively Thievy Bifouma at bay.

It is true that Kwesi Appiah would have found it very tough to drop the likes of Gyan, Andre and Jordan had they been fit. But their absence was a blessing in disguise with the hungry players showing their ‘big name’ colleagues how it should be done.

In Kumasi the performance lacked mobility, guile and purpose. Here in Brazzaville, it was a show full of dominance, life and effort.

There is still a lot to be done in order to secure qualification to the world cup in Russia, but this was a statement win. Not for Kwesi Appiah, but from the hungry Black Stars lads to the so-called Stars to better sit up or humbly accept a place on the bench during subsequent assignments.