Gary Al-Smith reviews Ghana’s Match against Qatar
Sports Journalist, Gary Al-Smith has reviewed Ghana’s match against Qatar of which they won 5 goals to 1. In his honest review, Gary wrote: “FT: Ghana 5-1 Qatar. Few preliminary thoughts. Personally, I’d give the team a 7/10. For the mental fortitude to rebound from that last loss and criticism. Man of the Match for…
Sports Journalist, Gary Al-Smith has reviewed Ghana’s match against Qatar of which they won 5 goals to 1.
In his honest review, Gary wrote:
“FT: Ghana 5-1 Qatar.
Few preliminary thoughts.
Personally, I’d give the team a 7/10. For the mental fortitude to rebound from that last loss and criticism.
Man of the Match for me: Samuel Owusu, and then new boy Benson Annan (right back), and then Thomas Partey. In that order.
What impressed me? First, the sense of urgency. Second, intensity. In short, there was a hunger. For now, that’s enough for me.
Problems?
• Lapses in taking responsibility on the individual level, which I suspect is down to a lack of cohesion as the team bonds. A few more games should iron them out.
• Second, Abalora is good at commanding his area, but he is rusty. Richard Ofori return should sort that out.
• Dede Ayew worries me. For someone whose pace isn’t great, he has to release balls more. And quickly. He slows the team. Offensively, he can be useful, but on counters we need more urgency. CK needs to have a word.
Generally, if we blasted the team for losing against Mali, we must give them props for this performance. A team is only as good as what is put in front of them.
For those who say it was only Qatar:
• Your African champions, Algeria, won the last AFCON with a team dominated by players based in the gulf, predominantly Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
• The Black Stars lost 5-0 to Saudi Arabia with a team including Olele, Essien, Muntari, Laryea, Mathew Amoah, Anthony Annan and Dede.
• Qatar are preparing for the 2022 World Cup, and are Asian champions. They are no fluke, because they won that tournament deservedly.
Show some respect to a team that’s lifted itself from defeat to play this way.
Well done, CK. Onwards and upwards.”