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Player Ratings: Ghana 2-0 Switzerland – Barnieh’s heartwarming performance draws talking points as Elisha Owusu wins hearts of fans

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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.

Ghana Sports Online 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.

  • Tariq Lamptey – 6/10

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.

  • Baba Rahman – 6.5/10

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.

  • Elisha Owusu – 7/10

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.

  • Jordan Ayew – 6/10

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.

  • Andre Ayew – 6.5/10

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.

  • Inaki Williams – 6/10

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

The post Player Ratings: Ghana 2-0 Switzerland – Barnieh’s heartwarming performance draws talking points as Elisha Owusu wins hearts of fans appeared first on Ghana Sports Online.

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Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead

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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.

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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Veteran Sports Commentator Joe Lartey dies at 96

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Joe Lartey was born on June 6, 1927, in Accra and attended Accra Academy. Lartey, often known as "Over to You," was a well-known broadcaster and SWAG's founding president. Lartey began his media career as a football commentator with the Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation (GBC) in 1961. He grew to be a popular figure in Ghana's sports community. He subsequently spent a decade at Radio Nigeria before returning to GBC in 1990. During his stint, he presented shows including Sports Digest on GTV.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has reported the death of Joe Lartey, a veteran Ghanaian football pundit and sports writer.

He passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the age of 96.

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Joe Lartey was born on June 6, 1927, in Accra and attended Accra Academy. Lartey, often known as “Over to You,” was a well-known broadcaster and SWAG’s founding president.

Lartey began his media career as a football commentator with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in 1961.

He grew to be a popular figure in Ghana’s sports community.

He subsequently spent a decade at Radio Nigeria before returning to GBC in 1990. During his stint, he presented shows including Sports Digest on GTV.

In appreciation of his achievements in sports journalism, Lartey received the coveted “A Life in Sport” award from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) during the AIPS Sport Media Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar, in June 2022.

Lartey’s impact stretched well beyond Ghana, with numerous Ghanaian football analysts praising him for moulding their careers.

Fans and colleagues alike will remember him warmly for his pioneering work in sports broadcasting.

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Xavi to stay as Barcelona’s coach until at least June 2025

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Xavi took over as manager of Barcelona in November 2021, after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd, and led the team to the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022–23. However, they are 11 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid with six games remaining in the current season. Barcelona was eliminated from the Champions League last week after losing to Paris St. Germain in the quarterfinals.

Barcelona coach Xavi will stay with the club until at least the end of his contract in June 2025, having changed his mind about this being his final season.

The 44-year-old stated in January that he will stand down as manager this summer.

However, with president Joan Laporta desperate for him to stay, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder has made a U-turn.

Xavi took over as manager of Barcelona in November 2021, after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd, and led the team to the Spanish title in his first full season in charge in 2022–23.

However, they are 11 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid with six games remaining in the current season.

Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League last week after losing to PSG in the quarterfinals.

Xavi, who won 25 honours during his brilliant playing career at Barcelona, said he felt “liberated” with the revelation that he would leave the position at the conclusion of the season.

When he announced his departure following the defeat to Villarreal, he felt he was not being safeguarded by the club and there was no clear direction.

However, the team’s fortunes have improved since Xavi felt comfortable taking a more casual attitude.

They went ten games undefeated in the league before falling 3-2 to Real Madrid on Sunday.

On Wednesday, there was a meeting at Laporta’s residence, and the club’s desire for him to stay was clear.

If Xavi is unable to strengthen the squad before the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Barcelona will attempt to persuade one of the high-profile managers out of contract, including Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Mikel Arteta.

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