Sports
Ghana defeats Central African Republic 2-1 in AFCON 2023 qualifiers – Black Stars players rated
The Black Stars qualified for their 10th straight Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-1 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Thursday at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Ghana’s place in the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast was secured by Nuamah’s debut goal. Despite a quick lead by CAR’s Louis Mafouta, Ghana fought, with Mohammed Kudus scoring a superb free-kick equalise before Nuamah sealed the victory.
Notably, Ghana has not lost in Kumasi since 2000. This AFCON qualifying solidifies Ghana’s position as an African football superpower and raises expectations for a great performance in the forthcoming tournament.
Here’s how the Black Stars fared in the encounter.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi: An ordinary effort by the goalkeeper, who mistimed the ball, allowing CAR to score. – 4
Alexander Djiku: Had little to do at the back and handled what was thrown at him effectively – 6
Celta Vigo’s Joseph Aidoo delivered a solid effort – 6
Alidu Seidu: Making his first complete public appearance in front of his home fans. Siedu gleamed brightly – 7
Elisha Owusu: Solid effort by Owusu, who filled in for the injured Thomas Partey – 6
Abdul Samed Salis: The Black Stars midfielder continues to dazzle, and he did it once more on Thursday – 7
Despite his best efforts, Osman Bukari was unable to make a significant effect on the game – 6
Jordan Ayew: An ordinary performance for one of the top players in the squad and a man in form, having just been crowned Crystal Palace Player of the Month – 6.5
Mohammed Kudus: Ghana’s greatest player yet, scoring a spectacular free-kick – 7.5
Inaki Williams: Uninspiring performance by the Athletic Bilbao player, who has yet to score for Ghana – 5
Substitutes:
Ernest Nuamah: Made a significant contribution off the bench, scoring the game-winning goal – 7
Antoine Semenyo: A positive and hardworking showing. One of his efforts resulted in his winning the ball and setting up Nuamah for the game-winning goal. – 7
Gideon Mensah: When he came in for Baba Rahman, he dealt with CAR’s danger – 6
N/A for Baba Iddrius.
Sports
Andre Ayew is optimistic in the current Black Stars squad
Andre Ayew has voiced faith in the current Black Stars team.
The Black Stars have recently performed below expectations in important events.
In the previous two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championships, the squad failed to go beyond the group stage in their quest to end the country’s trophy drought.
Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were eliminated early in the group stage.
Nonetheless, Ayew, the team’s current captain, feels that young stars like Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are making key contributions as the Black Stars seek to reclaim their previous glory.
Ayew reflected on the team’s history, saying, “We dominated for several years.” I was a member of this squad with the golden generation. Then there was the generation of Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah. “Now there is a new generation coming,” Ayew stated on Canal+.
Despite the great expectations put on the current squad, Ayew is optimistic about Ghana’s future in football.
“There is a lot of pressure.” Even though this generation dominated, we were unable to win. So this adds to the pressure and demands, and the country wants even more,” the Le Havre player revealed. Today’s players lack the experience of those I just highlighted,” he remarked.
Ayew emphasised the gap in experience between the current players and previous stalwarts, but he remained enthusiastic about the team’s prospects.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars will reconvene in June for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Sports
We will overcome present obstacles – Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew affirms
Andre Ayew, Black Stars captain, is confident in his team’s ability to overcome barriers to their advancement.
The four-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions have come under fire in recent tournaments for poor performances, most notably failing to advance beyond the group stages in their previous three major events.
Despite great expectations, the Black Stars were eliminated from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite recent failures, Ayew, who has over 100 caps for his nation, is confident in the team’s resiliency.
“The players begin by realising the significance of wearing this shirt, a symbol beloved by millions. “It’s a heavy responsibility that requires strong shoulders,” the 33-year-old said in an interview with Canal+.
Ayew acknowledged the existing problems but offered confidence.
“I know we’ll make it back. We are going through a difficult time, but I am certain that we will get through it.
Meanwhile, Andre Ayew will spearhead the team’s recovery when they return in June for World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Sports
Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead
Romeo Ricky Roy, the fitness coach for Ghana’s senior national team, has died.
According to Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku’s Facebook post, he died in Accra on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Roy joined the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021, during Milovan Rajevac’s second spell as coach.
He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.
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