Madagascar head coach, Romuald Rakotondrabe says the introduction of Anderlecht midfielder, Ashimeru “changed” the game and contributed to their defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars had a narrow 1-0 win over Great Red Island in Group I first fixture encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday.
Bilbao forward, Inaki Williams scored the only goal in injury time to secure three points.
“We had the better chances and we hit the bar. But that is football, we missed ours and they (Ghana) scored theirs. I take responsibility because I am the coach. I take the blame for what happened.”
“In the first 45 minutes, we were able to challenge, in the second half, he (Chris Hughton) brought Majeed Ashimeru and that changed everything. I told the boys to stop him because he brought energy. We tried but we couldn’t, ” He added.
Ghana will face Comoros in their second group fixture at the Moroni Stadium on Tuesday.
Amadu Hamidu
