Ghana secured a scrappy 1-0 win over Angola at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the third-round fixture of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Antoine Semenyo scored a late winner from a rebound that came from a Mohammed Kudus free-kick. The three points were secured, but there was nothing fresh from the Black Stars in Chris Hughton’s first game.
Here’s how each player rated:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi - 6:
Largely did not have a lot to do, but was clean anytime he was called upon. He made a good save early on to stop the Palancas Negras from taking a shock lead.
Denis Odoi - 5:
Had to deal with two players at some point but held his nerve and came out clean.
Gideon Mensah – 4.5:
Gideon Mensah suffered a lot during the game because he was targeted by the Palancas Negras. Helda Costa made a meal out of him because Kamaldeen Sulemana did not help him by tracking back.
Daniel Amartey – 5:
The Leicester City defender’s partnership with Alexander Djiku didn’t work to perfection, but they still managed to keep a clean sheet.
Alexander Djiku – 5.5:
The Strasbourg man didn’t finish the game because of injury but was a bit jittery in some situations, especially aerially. His attempted headed clearance almost led to Angola causing a shock early on.
Thomas Partey – 7:
The Arsenal midfielder was Ghana’s best player in the game and was completely involved, putting in something close to what we see him do at Arsenal.
Edmund Addo – 4.5:
The Spartak Subotica midfielder was one of the surprise picks from Chris Hughton for this game. He was caught in the moment at times and didn’t know the decisions to make with the ball.
Mohammed Kudus – 4.5:
The Ajax man did not impose himself in the game as he has done for the Black Stars at the World Cup. He still tried a few moves and shots, but it wasn’t one of his best games in a Ghana shirt.
Jordan Ayew – 6:
The Crystal Palace winger was bright and was not afraid to take on opponents but gave away the ball on a number of occasions. He was decent.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – 5:
The Southampton winger tried to be direct, but his final passing and decision-making were poor.
Inaki Williams – 4.5:
The Athletic Club player is still struggling to integrate into the Black Stars team and was a bit confused about his role on the pitch.
Substitutes:
Antoine Semenyo – 7:
The Bournemouth man was a super sub and was quick to pounce on the rebound from the Kudus free-kick, slamming in the winner late on.
Salis Abdul Samed - 5
Joseph Paintsil - 4
Osman Bukari - N/A
Joseph Aidoo - N/A