The renowned manager was excited with how the teenager played in his debut game for Ghana and has shed light on weaknesses he needs to improve
A.S Roma coach Jose Mourinho has lauded the performance of young striker Felix Afena-Gyan following his debut performance for Ghana last Friday.
The 19-year-old was surprisingly given a starting role on his debut as Ghana battles Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup playoffs at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Although, Afena-Gyan lasted 82 minutes and could not hit the back of the net on his debut, his general performance was quite impressive.
He had 25 touches in the game, completed nine passes of which 82 per cent were successful and also made one key pass.
Moreover, he won four ground duels out of eight but lost the only aerial duel he went in for and was fouled four times.
“Jose Mourinho watched the game and he was excited with Afena-Gyan’s performance,” a source close to the player told AshesGyamera.com in an interview.
“This because his rise and growth have been quick and Gyan seems to be on the right track. He spoke with him and highlighted what he did right in the game in Kumasi. Everyone at Roma was excited because such games will help Gyan to mature into a player they want for the future.”
However, Mourinho was not happy Afena-Gyan failed to make a single shot (off and on target) throughout the game and also lost possession ten times to the Nigerians.
“He also spoke to him about creating spaces and chances as a striker. Obviously, he wasn’t happy that Gyan played 82 minutes without having a single shot on target but advised him on what to do.
“Sometimes, your team’s tactics and formations determine your output but we believe he will listen and work on his coach’s observations as well as everyone around the Black Stars in Abuja on Tuesday,” the source added.
Ghana only need to avoid defeat against Nigeria to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup to be staged in Qatar.
