Ghana’s Black Stars were held by Namibia to a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
The game was the final preparatory exercise before Black Stars journey to Ivory Coast to compete in the African Cup of Nations tournament which begins on Saturday.
In a game which many Ghanaians were expecting the Black Stars to win, the team didn’t live up to the expectations as fans that trooped to the Baba Yara Stadium were left very disappointed by the scoreline.
The Black Stars attack threatened the Namibian defence in the second half of the game with the introduction of players like Jonathan Sowah, Osman Bukari, Dede Ayew and Ernest Nuamah in the game.
For Namibia’s Brave Warriors, the result will serve as a huge boost for them, especially with the way they managed to keep their composure throughout the game.
These are the five things we learnt from the game;
Goal-scoring still a problem for Black Stars under Chris Hughton
The goalless draw with Namibia is particularly alarming for Black Stars, as it signifies the fifth instance where the team failed to score under Hughton’s era. The team has managed to score only 1 goal in the last 5 matches they’ve played. Chris Hughton’s Black Stars has failed to score an open-play goal in the first 45 minutes in all the 10 games since his appointment. The Black Stars coach faces an immediate need to address the goal-scoring problem in the team with just six days before the Black Stars commence their campaign in Ivory Coast.
Jonathan Sowah made a case for home based players
The Medeama Star was introduced ahead of the second half in place of Inaki Williams, and quickly made his mark in the game. Sowah almost stole the show when he raced towards the Namibians goal area for the ball, but was brought down and earned Ghana a free-kick. He again set up Anderlecht winger John Paintsil with a beautiful back heel to score, but that effort was saved by the Namibian goalkeeper Kamaijanda Ndisiro. The 24-year-old striker’s remarkable contribution to the team has made a strong case for home-based players in the Black Stars ahead of the AFCON.
Salisu is a rock in defence
Mohammed Salisu showcased his outstanding qualities when he was introduced in the game for Daniel Amartey in the second half of the game. The AS Monaco defender delivered a top level performance with his partnership with Alexander Djiku at the back. Salisu demonstrated great leadership on the pitch with his awareness and sense of positioning, regularly communicating with and organising his teammates, good aerial ability and also dribbles forward effectively. Salisu’s impact could be a key factor to further cement his position as the first-choice center back for the Black Stars in the AFCON
Inaki needs good service upfront
After breaking his long goal drought for the Black stars against Madagascar in Kumasi, Inaki struggled against Namibia as he was often caught in tussles against the defenders. In spite of Inaki’s several attempts to create space and work out something, the service he got from the Black Stars midfielders were not good enough. The Athletic Bilbao attacker would need the right support and service from his teammates to enable him score more goals for the team at the African Cup of Nations.
A better team in the second half
The Namibians dictated the play while the Black Stars struggled in the first half. Ghana struggled to advance the ball into the opponent goal area, resulting in uninspiring attacking display. The Black Stars team showed some glimpses of improvement in the second half of the game when Chris Hughton made some few changes. The impact of these substitutions was almost immediate, with Sowah, Nuamah and Bukari all linking up to create some chances for the team.