Montenegro vs. Ghana: Ten things we learned from the Black Stars defeat

Published on: 08 March 2014
 Montenegro vs. Ghana: Ten things we learned from the Black Stars defeat
Ghana vrs Montenegro last Wednesday in Podgorica.

By Rahman Osman

Ghana’s defeat to Montenegro raised questions about the credentials of the Black Stars for the 2014 World Cup finals.

With just 96 days to the tournament, coach Kwesi Appiah must to solve some of the core issues.

Here are GHANASoccernet.com’s observations from Wednesday’s pre-World Cup friendly.

1. Â  Adam Kwarasey can be No.1:

The Stromgodset number one did his case to usurp Fatau Dauda a lot good with some two top class saves in the first half to keep Ghana in the game.

Kwarasey pulled of two world class saves in the space of ten minutes to ensure Ghana did not concede more goals.

His calmness and distribution throughout the game were splendid and reminiscent of when he first burst into the seen.

2.David Addy, Mubarak Wakaso and Jordan Ayew must improve:

David Addy had a game to forget. It could go down as one of his disappointing games for the Black Stars.  He caused the penalty.

Wakaso lost the ball many times than any other player. If he makes it to Brazil, then it would be for his sterling contribution in the 2013 AFCON but not on merit.

Jordan Ayew again flattered to deceive. There was a lot of running but non-productive outcome.

The potential is there but it’s beginning to look like this world cup would come a bit too early for him to reach his full potential.

To be fair on him the balls did not come but one shot on target in 45 minute is not good enough for a player fighting for ticket to the world cup.

3. Daniel Opare is Ghana’s best left back: 

Opare never stops running and is always available to cover up for players who have gone up field for set pieces.

The Standard Liege man has the eyes for a good tackles.

He played well at right back in the first half and switched to left back when Inkoom came in and didn’t disappoint.

4.Essien still very relevant to the Black Stars.

Ghana will need to summon all her best and experienced players if we are to make it out of the supposed group of death and Micheal Essien showed that against Montenegro.

The AC Milan man was not at physical but was very impulsive and spread the ball well across the length and breadth of the field.

5.Kevin-Prince Boateng is Ghana’s livewire

The Schalke icon spent 30 minutes on field and had shots on target than any other Ghanaian player.

He quickly tested the Montenegro goalkeeper with some intelligent shots and was the most likely to score in white.

6. Majeed Waris has good work rate but is less effective outside the 18 yard box: 

The in-form Ghanaian forward failed to score in his tenth appearance but continued to work his socks off.

He did not manage to get a shot in from outside the 18 yard box.

Waris will have to start improvising from time to time that could bring another dimension into his game and catch opponents out of Gard.

7. Midfielders will have to create more goal scoring chances:

The midfield and the strike force were virtually disjointed in the first half leaving both Waris and Jordan to feed on scraps.

The second half was better but more can be done. Sulley Muntari showed qualities and set up Kelvin Prince Boateng and Gyan.

8.John Boye and Akaminko show promise: 

The partnership between John Boye and Jerry Akaminko was once again on exhibition. For Akaminko it has been a stellar season at club level and that was very evident in the game against Montenegro but he will need to keep his calm and attitude in check after a brawl late on in the game.

Boye is coming back from a long injury lay off but didn’t show sign of any rustiness.

9. Goalkeeper Stephen Adams will struggle to get a look:

The Adauna Stars shot stopper was supposed to get some playing time after the snubbing of Fatau Dauda but that did not happen. I doubt when next an opportunity like this will avail itself with just two goalkeepers in the squad.

He might be in the team but getting game time will be more difficult after failing to nail some game time against Montenegro.

10. Tactical improvement:

The Black Stars struggled a little bit in the first and with the right tactical approach, we should get things right. Head coach Kwesi Appiah must come in sharper with his game plan to kill off opponents.

 

What did you also observe from Wednesday's pre-World Cup friendly? Do you believe the Black Stars are ready for the World Cup? Did the Black Stars convince? Let's hear from you in our comments box below. 

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