Ghana defeated South Africa 1-0 in the last game of Group G of 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday thanks to Andre Ayew’s goal from the spot.
The results mean that Black Stars have booked their place in the playoffs and could either face Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, Algeria or Morocco.
However, AshesGyamera.com’s editor-in-chief, Evans Gyamera-Antwi, brings to you how each player fared in the game.
Joseph Wollacott- 8/10
The most underrated goalkeeper for Ghana in recent years pulled up several point-blank saves to help Black Stars secure a famous win. Although, he initially struggled to command his backline, it is quite understandable since this game was his biggest test since donning the national colours.
A clean sheet is another quiver to his arrow. He is one for the future barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Andy Yiadom- 6.5/10
The Reading full-back is yet to have an overly superb game for Ghana. Despite his experience in Europe, he is one of the players that Ghanaians don’t trust. Against South Africa, he barely sent in tailor-measured crosses but he defended well at times. He was quite good.
Abdul Baba Rahman- 7/10
Unlike his teammate Yiadom, Baba Rahman is gradually getting his mojo back. The Chelsea loanee showed glimpses of the player Ghanaians saw in 2015 when he marked his bow for the Black Stars. His last ditch clearance late in the game was very crucial to help Ghana secure a place in the playoffs.
Daniel Amartey- 8/10
The Leicester City defender was mentally stable and showed improvement against South Africa if you juxtapose today’s game to his performance against Ethiopia. He usually read the ball well and could sense danger was looming. He is a better half to Alexander Djiku than to Joseph Aidoo. His intelligent play caught the attention of the referee and won Ghana the penalty which Ayew slotted the resulting kick in.
Alexander Djiku- 8.5/10
Obviously, the Strasbourg centre defender is one of the Black Stars’ brightest spot. He was well composed at the back and showed Aidoo why he was dropped today. He combined with Amartey to keep the South Africans at bay in most cases.
Baba Iddrisu- 7/10
The youngster is gradually becoming a cult hero. Very calm and intelligent, the Real Mallorca lad hardly displaces a pass. His tackles are also on point and combined nicely with Mubarak Wakaso.
Mubarak Wakaso- 9/10✓
A villain turned hero tonight. Wakaso has recently come under scrutiny for his bizarre performance but if anything is to go by, he was by far Ghana’s best performer against South Africa. He was ever present in midfield.
He made some crucial tackles and looked matured in his play. An engine he was in midfield.
Mohammed Kudus- Not rated
The Ajax Amsterdam youngster was one of the players Milovan Rajevac was looking up to to conjure magic but unfortunately, he was subbed after only fourteen minutes. The injury robbed him off what could have been a perfect platform to show the world what he had under his belt.
Daniel Kofi Kyereh- 6.5/10
After replacing injured Kudus, the St Pauli midfielder played creditably well. He was even close to scoring but unfortunately fluffed the opportunity he was served with. Kyereh is one of the players who could improve when given time.
Jordan Ayew- 7/10
Jordan Ayew failed to once again score despite coming close. Ayew has now gone almost 50 games for club and country and yet to break his duck. His hold up play wasn’t bad but he was a little selfish and must improve in that aspect as Ghana now prepare to play in the playoffs.
Andre Ayew- 9/10
El Capitano! Ayew proved once again that he is a big game player. Although, he lacks pace and strength due to his age, the Al Sadd forward now uses his experience more to his advantage.
To mark his 100th appearance for Ghana with a crucial goal proves that Ayew is one of the most sought after players who will always help Ghana grind results when the need be.
Kamaldeen Sulemana- 7.5/10
Although, Sulemana has struggled in most of the games he has played for Ghana, the one against South Africa was quite good. He was barely seen in the first half but after break, the Stade Rennes star was a different player.
He was even unlucky not to have scored a goal after his long drive narrowly missed the target in the second half.
Richmond Boakye Yiadom- Not rated
The Israeli-based striker was a pure disaster against Ethiopia last week and that led to his dropping today. Although, he came on for Sulemana to play the last six minutes, too little was seen from him.
Even after being handed a chance at goal, he was a little sluggish as Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Ronwen Williams read the danger and saved his side from conceding another goal. This could be his last game for Ghana.
