Ghana’s Black Stars recorded an impressive 2-0 win over Euro 2020 semi-finalist Switzerland in the final warm-up game before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Salisu headed Ghana in front from a corner kick before Antoine Semenyo pounced on a loose ball inside the box to register the second goal for the Black Stars in a game that was played under a hot climate in Abu Dhabi.
The Stars dominated in a game that saw Rossocrociati parade Premier League stars Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, Denis Zakaria, and Bundesliga super goalkeeper Jan Sommer.
Afriyie Barnieh was one of the standout performers for the Black Stars as he lasted 62 minutes while Salisu Mohammed scored his first goal in the Ghana jersey.
runs the rule over the performance of the Black Stars players.
- Lawrence Ati Zigi – 6.5/10
The St Gallen shot-stopper kept a clean sheet as he made 6 crucial saves in the game to properly guard his net against efforts from Ruben Vargas and Breel Embolo.
Though the Brighton man joined the attack on a number of occasions, he was caught off his mark in defence a number of times with Ruben Vargas arriving at his position unmarked in the 6th minute. He was replaced with 10 minutes to end the game.
Lasted the entire period of the game and managed to hold down his side of the defence. He also linked up well with the attack the few times his role demanded him to join the attack.
- Mohammed Salisu – 7.5/10
Domineering and commanding in defence. He scored the opening goal for Ghana and won most of the aerial duel. Great performance from the Southampton defender. He was replaced by Joseph Aidoo with 13 minutes left.
- Daniel Amartey – 6.5/10
He was a good game reader and with the support of Salisu, the Ghana defence limited the chances of Switzerland in the attack. Remo Freuler and Xherdan Shaqiri failed to beat him to any of the 1v1 situations while he also helped in holding Embolo to check.
- Salis Samed Abdul – 6.5/10
Though it was his first time playing in the Ghana colours he was able to translate his club form to the Black Stars midfield as he linked up with Elisha Owusu and foiled most of the Swiss offensive starts.
Highly technical and intelligent – the Gent man knew when to walk with the ball, when to pass, when to move and when to stop. He defined the duties of a modern No.8. Scored high marks in the 62 minutes he lasted until Daniel-Kofi Kyereh took his place.
One of the likely starters against Portugal next Thursday. He lasted 62 minutes before Semenyo came in for his place. Played well with the team but lacked the cutting edge in attack.
He lasted the entire period of the game and helped to keep the attacking shape of the team, offering control, stability and leadership on the field.
- Afriyie Barnieh – 6.9/10
If VAR was used in the game he would have won a penalty for Ghana around the 24th-minute mark as he was fouled inside the box by Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar. Great game for the Hearts of Oak man.
He had a few bright moments in the game but couldn’t come close to scoring for the Black Stars.
SUBSTITUTES
Antoine Semenyo – 7/10
Kamaldeen Sulemana – 6.5/10
Kamal Sowah – 6/10
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh – 6.5/10
Joseph Aidoo – 6/10
Alidu Seidu – 6/10
