Ghana’s Black Stars booked their place in the 3rd round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers courtesy a 2 - 0 win over Le Coelecantes of Comoros. Two goals from Wakaso Mubarak and Jordan Ayew either side of the half was enough to see them through.Below are five observations from the game:
- Comoros' had a game plan which is to sit deep and frustrate the Stars.
They afforded the stars no space to get behind their defence. It’s no coincidence that Ghana had to open the scoring with a free kick. One could say they lacked creativity but coming to their defence their opponent were rather well organized and drilled.
2.Under Avram Grant Ghana have returned to a slow passing game.
The Stars Sprayed the ball around beautifully but were too midfield oriented and slow which allowed the Comorians to regroup in the first 20 minutes of the game. The slow build up meant the wings was barely utilized, but for Schlupp being 'too English' [ being direct ]with his play the wings would've been dead all game.
3.Asamoah Gyan has lost a yard of sharpness. His movement was poor and his finishing didn’t inspire. A vintage Gyan would've increased his goal haul for the team with a tie against an unfenced Comoros side. I have watched Gyan over the years and i can imagine his legs are not as fresh as they use to be but his movement was not the best and this performance wont last long in his memory.
- 4 The back five of the team has grown much in confidence.
Their organization is good. Individually they are able to dispose attackers without having to foul them. It's important to note that with this same back five the team has conceded only one goal in their last 7 competitive game dating back to the AFCON group stages win against South Africa.
They kept 6 clean sheets with the 7 -1 win over Mauritius in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers being the only game were they've let in goal(s).
5.Finally let’s give praise to the new Mr. Blackstars, Mubarak 'Bobby' Wakaso.
He opened the scoring with a sweet goal from a free kick. Just like his mentor Sulley Muntari he always has surprises under his sleeves and makes nonsense of his club form to deliver the goods for the national team. His passes and his delivery from set pieces were always spot on. His goal today means he's scored 11 goals for Ghana with 9 of them coming in competitive games.
By Rahman Osman
Follow on twitter @iamrahmanosman