The Black Starlets performed admirably at the Dr. DY Patel Stadium in Navi Mumbai where they dispatched Niger 2-0 in the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup on Wednesday.
A first half penalty striker by Eric Ayiah and a screamer by substitute forward Richard Danso were enough to send Ghana to the quarter final stage of the competition, where they will meet another West African country Mali on Saturday October 21.
GHANASoccernet.com rates how Ghana players fared in the game which put the team through to the next stage.
Ibrahim Danlad- 7
The Asante Kotoko shot stopper was not troubled much but anytime he was called upon, he delivered. His timing and organizational sense were top notch. The 14-year-old is the main reason Ghana's defense is one of the least conceded teams in the tournament.
Yakubu Najeeb - 8
The lanky guardsman has fit in perfectly to his new found position. Once again Yakubu took the best decisions when surging forward with the ball and his recovering rate was superb. He linked up very well with Sulley on the right hand side and nearly scored but goalkeeper Khalid Lawali reacted quick to the ball.
Alhassan Rashid - 8
Just like Yakubu on the right hand side of defense, Alhassan has been a pillar at the left side. He hardly put a foot wrong in the whole 90 minutes as he defended when needed and attacked with pace and power. Midway through the game, Niger broke free on a counter attack but the Aduana Stars left back used his pace to curtailed the attack.
Gideon Mensah - 5
The Right to Dream Academy defender was good with the aerial duels but struggled to control the ball on the turf. Ghana were not made to suffer at the back as predicted by many, which means the defense were not tested but anytime the ball came to Mensah, he struggled to deal with the pressure. He had a great opportunity to bury the from three yards after Arko-Mensah's miscued shot found him at the far end of the post with goalkeeper Lawali beaten but he fluffed his lines to the dismay of coach Samuel Fabin.
Bismark Terry Owusu - 6
Owusu was a stalwart at the back as neatly dealt with the threats of the young Menas. His game came to an abrupt end when he attempted to prevent a throw-in but he awkwardly slipped and after seeking medical attention he returned to the pitch but couldn't continue, hence had to replaced by John Otu.
Isaac Gyamfi - 8
Another scintillating performance from the young enforcer, who used his energy to shore up the defense very well. The Teshie New Life midfielder was the water-carrier of the side once again and he did the job effectively.
Gabriel Leveh - 8
The Tema Youth sleek-footed attacker could have easily been named the game's best player but for his lack of energy in the dying embers of the match, where he faded to boss the midfield as he started the game. He was a delight to watch and took the right options. His incisive passes was a reminisce of Barcelona ace Andres Iniesta. He controlled the midfield remarkably and he bursted with pace and trickery which made the Nigeriens suffer to see the ball. His link up play with the attacking forwards was superb. He is gradually making the position his bonafide property after starting the tournament on the bench.
Ibrahim Sulley- 8
Another Teshie New Life Academy player who gave a good account of himself in the encounter. Sulley kept the ball well and used his trickery to create conundrum for the Nigeriens. He's one of the star players from the African Cup of Nations squad but he has found game time in the competition difficult to come by. He was given a start due to the absence of Ibrahim Sadiq and he grasped it with two hands with a delicious display.
Emmanuel Toku- 9
Very excellent with the ball as he used his Messi-esque trickery to cause the young Menas so much trouble. Another player who hardly put a foot wrong as he took the game to their opponents anytime he had the opportunity. He created a penalty from one of his trademark dribbles, which Eric Ayiah failed to capitalize on.
Eric Ayiah - 7
Despite registering his name on the score sheet, Ayiah's overall performance left much to be desired as he rushed with his decisions at the vital end of the pitch. His display in the game underlined his overall outing in the tournament. He squandered a glorious chance to double Ghana's lead after a poor penalty kick. He needs to back up if Ghana is to overcome West African neighbours Mali in the quarter final stage.
Edmund Arko Mensah-9
For the second game running Arko-Mensah was Ghana's best player. He was initiated attack without fear, and made the Nigeriens committed so many fouls. His technique was always spot on as well his dribbling skills. The versatile Wa All Stars players merited to be given the most valuable player of the game with his overall contribution in the win. Superlative attacker.
Subs :
John Otu- 6
Otu did very well when he replaced the injured Terry Owusu midway through the game. He took the simple options and cleared his lines very well.
Richard Danso - 6
Another goal from the WAFA forward. He came on in Ghana's last game against India and scored a fabulous goal but he plundered an even cracker today. Many are calling for the young striker to start games and per his displays, they might not be far from the truth. A real poacher with killer instincts.
Mohammed Idriss -4
He was brought on to help shore up the midfielder when Ghana were leading 1-0 and he excelled.
Reuben Obodai