Kickoffghana.com writer Daraja Kapoor rates the performance of Black Stars players following their 2-1 win over Central African Republic in the final round of the African Cup of Nations Qualifier on Thursday
Every player is marked out of 10.
Lawrence Ati Zigi 5- Flew off his line and was beaten to it for the opening goal. Didn’t do much wrong after that.
Alidu Seidu 7- Did well to contain Central African Republic’s threat from the left side. Solid and assured, Alidu put in a real shift.
Joseph Aidoo 5– He and his centre-back partner were found wanting positionally on a couple of occasions in the first half. Grew into the game as it went by and ended on a strong note.
Alexander Djiku 5- Descent performance in the end. Recovered from a slow start and marshaled the backline especially in the second half.
Baba Rahman 4- A difficult game for the Ghanaian left back. Struggled to deal with countless attacks on his side of the defense and was booed by the Kumasi crowd for his lethargic display. Took a knock and was replaced in the 69th minute.
Abdul Samed Salis 6– I thought he went about his business quietly in central midfield. Kept things tidy and barely put a foot wrong.
Elisha Owusu 5- Anchored the midfield alongside Salis and was tireless in his efforts to win the ball back and recycle possession for Chris Hughton’s side.
Osman Bukari 5- Not the best of games for the Red Star Belgrade winger. Started brightly but his impact withered as the game progressed. Replaced after the hour mark.
Jordan Ayew 6– Captained the team in the absence of his brother Andre and it was a typical performance from the Crystal Palace forward. Worked tirelessly for the team on both sides of the field.
Mohammed Kudus 8– Ghana’s best player and by some miles too. He was a cut above everyone else on the field. Scored a delightful free kick to bring the Black Stars level.
Inaki Williams 4- Another sub par performance from the Spain-based forward. Wasn’t involved in much and was substituted in the 69th minute.
SUBS
Antoine Semenyo 7– Big impact off the bench. Looked lively and dangerous up front and brought a real dynamism to Ghana’s attack. Set up Ernest Nuamah after some brilliant work to win the ball back and almost made it 3-1 ten minutes later only to be denied by the woodwork.
Ernest Nuamah 6- Climbed off the bench to score the winning goal in only his second international appearance. Showed glimpses of his blistering pace and explosiveness in a bright cameo.
Gideon Mensah 6– Replaced Baba Rahman at left back and was assured both in defense and attack.
Iddrisu Baba– N/A
