The focal point with Ebenezer Zor.
In spite of the 1-0 loss suffered by Ghana at the hands of Brazil in their last international friendly played at the Craven Cottage Park a home side of Engtlish premiership side Fulham, the stars gave a good account of themselves.
Though reduced to ten players after Daniel Opare was given the early shower before the game went on recess, their performance was second to none.
If you should ask me, it was a memorable encounter as some crop of players were been assessed to know their capabilities and to prepare them for competitive matches ahead.
Notwistanding, the said match did exposed some weakness facing the current Black Stars squad if whether there are or not big names.
The Black Stars have failed to present an effective left and right foot back, a gifted and creative midfielder or ball juggler, a clinical finisher and an orthodox number ten player that could pull surprises even when the going gets tough.
Gone were the days when Ghana used to have such caliber of players like, the maestro Abedi Ayew Pele, Mohammed Polo, the dribbling magician, Anthony ‘Yegola’ Yeboah, Awudu Issaka, the disco dancer and several others who fought for the nation and even gave spectators value for their money during their youthful moments.
Today, our stars with their fascinating gaits, stylish haircuts, and appearance are always comfortable with the least they do than going beyond the limit hence sending signals to other countries which would want to engage them.
As a coin has two sides, permit me to comment generally about the output of the Black Stars players who featured in that particular crunchy duel against the Samba Boys of Brazil at Craven Cottage Park in England.
Roughly speaking two players to me distinguished themselves whilst the others were shadows of themselves. They are the new safest pair of hands, Adam Larsen Kwarasey and most reliable defender, Jonathan ‘Junior Rock’ Mensah.
Both proved their prowess in the absence of veteran goalkeeper, Richard Kingston and defender John Mensah, the rock of gilbrator. But I believe Kingston and John are not done yet.
Larsen in his second debut for Ghana gradually gained confidence and within the last few minutes of the second half, thwarted a very curling header and well constructed free kick from both Alexander Pato and Ronaldinho in their bid to increase the tally.
Whereas Isaac Vorsah, John Panstil were in a state of dilemma likewise midfielders, Emmanuel Agyemeng Badu, Derek Boateng, Kwadzo Asamoah and worse of it all Sulley Ali Muntari were all Missing In Action (MIA).
Dilating on our goal-poachers, the inability of Asamoah Gyan and Andre Dede Ayew was a big chance for both Jordan Ayew and Prince Tagoe to silence their critics. However, they gave a wild good chance for the ball during that encounter.
Having said that, the introduction of Rabi Mohammed, Dominic Adiyah, Patrick Adomah, and Lee Addy was not strong to reverse the tempo of the game.
On the whole, they also did their best by taking the game to the Brazilians and prevented them from scoring more to humiliate the stars.
It is about time the management of the Stars instill into the players that the team does not belong to any individual, but to whoever meets the standard of the senior national team. In fact there should be competition among the players to strive for position.
I do not want to believe that neither some players lobby for position in stars squad nor their ‘agents’ act behind the scene to pave way for their favourite players which majority are ricketier to play for the stars.
Indeed if this attitude exists, then what sort of niche is the team carving whiles there are fantastic players locally and internationally who could don the jerseys of the stars and make the nation proud?
Surely in one way or the other, some soccer lovers would like to attribute the 1-0 defeat to Brazilians to the poor tactics of Goran Stevanovic for such rickety output.
In this case I will not support the aversion against the coach because he has proven beyond reasonable doubts that without big names in the team the less-fancied side or crop of individual players could make his game plan materialize.
Meanwhile, Coach Goran’s sense of reasoning and boldness has made him unearth replaceable goalkeeper, Larsen, and today if Kingston should call it quit, it would not be a neither be a headache nor disease that could affect the team.
There are lotS of weaknesses in the team. But I believe if more competitive matches are organized- playing the likes of Holland, Argentina, Spain, Germany or Portugal could definitely prepare the team to defeat any unproductive nation in their subsequent early matches.
As Ghana prepares for the next international friendly against West African arch-rivals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria on October 11 this year in London, I entreat the management to scout for players who can manned such weakening positions in the team and galvanized any opponents that come their way starting with Nigeria.
I would end by expressing my condolence to the family of late Alhaji Sly Tetteh, president of premier club side, Liberty Professionals whose sudden death has been a big blow to the sports fraternity. Farewell Sly!
